The Birbal Framework

Not sure how I managed to never mention this on the blog.
Anyway, when I first started my hedge fund in 2000, I put together a java app that was to be used to help me manage my investment workflow. It's since morphed into a quant strategy and portfolio management platform, but it started in simply wanting to keep tabs on lots of equities.

I called it Birbal.
The name came up from memories as a kid reading tales of Emperor Akbar and his famous Advisor, Birbal. Pretty much like any Three's Company episode in it's formulaic storyline, Birbal stories were always instances of the Emperor trying to make some decision and Birbal chirping in to make sure the right considerations are taken - often avoiding major mistakes.

Well, that embodied what I wanted out of any software I've used for investing, and that's what I continue to build.
I don't want the decision made for me, just the relevant information provided as needed, then my decision carried out while managing the process and risk.

Essentially, the investor is only doing the thing that only the investor can do - making a decision. Everything leading up to the decision and all ramifications of the decision should be handled by the platform, since computers are better at that.

And that's how my software got it's name, Birbal.

New Year, New Directions

Exciting changes are afoot. No longer at the family office, looking seriously at playing to my most competitive advantages : financial technology.
Contact me for more info. chadpatel at the google of email.
-peace

Trades For Dec 28th

I'd short more AAPL and GMCR here, both are super extended. I'd buy AIXG here. 1/4 positions all.

Follow on Trades

Buy 1/4 position in AIXG for a bounce to 37.5, strong stock in a strong area.

Would add 1/4 pos shorts to MHK, GMCR and PALM. Start 1/4 pos short in AAPL b/c of valuation reflecting expectations of perfection and the hype of a January announcement.

Looking to short oil on a rally to ~39.5. Trend is still down, weak economy.

(I'll start posting a table once this gets a little more complex.)

Trades to Start Off

MHK can be shorted near 49, here. I would short, in a 10 mil book, 5k shares at 48.67 for a quarter position.
PALM I would have to have a quarter position for earnings tonight. 25k shares. 11.50
GMCR is going to continue its consolidation here, so would trade it here 66.53 down to 60. I'd short 4000 shares.
BKS can trade for a small bounce. Buy 10k shares at 18.80 to sell at 22.


Disclaimer: This is for my own notes and entertainment, and completely not for any other purposes. Not a solicitation, or advice.

GRMN: How Garmin Can Be Worth MULTIPLES Of What It Is Now

Yes, I am a big believer that GPS devices like GRMN will be absolutely cannibalized by the Droid and other phones.

A few caveats though: the company is flush with cash, has no debt and a strong operating team. At some price, people will prefer a dedicated device, just as they do for other things, at the right price.
At $32, it is priced right for the risks ahead.

My Idea For A HUGE LEAP AND A $200 PRICE ON GRMN:

Make a 7" Garmin that does GPS, links to the phone via Bluetooth for live updates, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: becomes the screen for the phone!!! I would pay $100 for a device that served as a large screen for my phone and did dedicated GPS.

Wouldn't you?

The Look That Made Tiger In-Famous

Just saw this at the mall. Looks like "He Just Did Do It"!
D'oh!