Phaetrix – Independent Investing Insights & Market Analysis
Independent investing insights, portfolio risk management strategies, and long-term market analysis. Fresh content every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Latest

14
Jan
Dark graphic with “Intel: A Turnaround That Never Arrives,” construction and U-turn signs.

Intel: A Turnaround That Never Arrives

Intel has been “turning around” for half a decade. The promise keeps moving forward. The costs are real. The results aren’t.
8 min read
12
Jan
Digital display showing MVRV reading of 3.01

Bitcoin Part 2: The One Number That's Called Every Top and Bottom

Every Bitcoin transaction ever made is public. That means we can calculate what everyone actually paid—in real time. One metric has called every major top and bottom for 13 years. Here's how to read it.
3 min read
09
Jan
Shopping cart overflowing with stock ticker blocks spilling onto the ground, illustrating ETF holdings

The Pros and Cons of ETF Investing for Beginners

ETFs are the "easy button" of investing—low cost, instant diversification, buy and forget. But easy isn't the same as optimal. Here's what 35 years taught me about when ETFs work and when you're better off owning the stocks yourself.
3 min read
07
Jan
Split black graphic: red “APPLE AT 37x EARNINGS” left, green “I’M HOLDING” right.

Is Apple Worth 37x Earnings? My Unpopular Answer

I own Apple. It's about 35% of my portfolio. And I just wrote a piece explaining why it looks expensive. That's not a contradiction. That's the whole point. The question isn't 'is Apple expensive today?' The question is 'does Apple still belong in my portfolio?' Different question. Different answer.
4 min read
05
Jan
Traditional Wall Street newspapers and stock ticker beside a smartphone displaying Bitcoin price charts

How to Actually Value Bitcoin (When Everyone Else Is Guessing)

I spent 35 years valuing stocks with fundamentals. No cash flow, no dividends, no CEO—Bitcoin breaks all the rules. So I did the homework anyway. Part 1 of 4.
4 min read
02
Jan
Blue to black background with white lettering words are Hope Is Not an Exit Strategy

Hope Is Not an Exit Strategy

My son asked me the question most investors can't answer: "What's your system for getting out?" I had entry criteria I could recite in my sleep. But when do I sell? I realized I'd never written it down.
4 min read
31
Dec
Verizon headquarters tower with logo against cloudy sky, with overlay text reading “Big dividend, no real upside” highlighting income yield but limited upside.

VERIZON (VZ): Junior telecom debt with a utility ceiling

The problem isn’t whether Verizon stabilizes — it’s what you’re left owning if it does.
14 min read
29
Dec
Dark blue thumbnail with neon text “Home Depot – Great Business Bad Entry” beside a glowing house outline containing an orange HD square, reflecting a cautious view on Home Depot stock.

Home Depot (HD): The Housing Cycle Play Everyone Owns But Nobody’s Timing Right

Great business, fair price, terrible entry.
5 min read
26
Dec
Shopping bag labeled “RETURN” filled with stock cards under text “RETURN BAD STOCKS.”

Boxing Day for Your Portfolio

Boxing Day isn’t just for returning bad gifts—use it to return bad positions. Go line by line through your portfolio and ask: “If this were cash today, would I buy it right now?” If the answer’s no, it’s clutter, not an investment.
1 min read
24
Dec
Dark blue thumbnail with the words “Intel’s $100B Foundry Bet” beside a glowing neon chip graphic.

Intel (INTC): The Turnaround That’s Been “Turning Around” for Five Years

The $100B foundry bet Wall Street is already calling a success.
7 min read
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