Stargazer harnesses upsurge in energy to power her way to the top

DOREEN DAZE had a stellar - as befits an astrologer - win in the deciding week of our share race.

By InvestSMART · 16 Sep 2012

By InvestSMART ·
16 Sep 2012

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DOREEN DAZE had a stellar - as befits an astrologer - win in the deciding week of our share race.

Doreen's hypothetical portfolio of 10 stocks soared 9.5 per cent in a week, a gain of 14.5 per cent in a month. That's an annualised return of 173 per cent, showing what a good rub of the crystal ball can do.

After all, the market could be bothered only with a six-point gain over the four-week race.

She was even weighed down by the four banks, which, like the market, did nothing.

It just goes to show what having the two best stocks can do: Metgasco, a coal-seam gas explorer that was suspended on the last day because it's about to do a placement, and Solimar Energy, an oil and gas producer.

Although toppled from the top at the last minute, Qaiser Malik still gained 1.8 per cent over the week as the gold price surged and Alacer Gold and St Barbara regained their glitter. Chartist Richard Pritchard was the second best performer of the week, almost out-dazing Doreen, with a 9.1 per cent surge.

Behind him and, um, the dartboard was yours truly despite, you'll note, beating the market.

Accustomed to me being in this position, loyal readers, when I meet them, ask me - with the best of intentions, of course - if I deliberately throw the race to impart extra excitement.

Sorry, I'm just a lousy stock picker in a market that can't decide whether it's coming or going.

A new race starts next Sunday.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Who won the recent InvestSmart share race and what drove their win?

Doreen Daze won the deciding week. Her hypothetical 10-stock portfolio jumped 9.5% for the week (14.5% for the month), driven largely by two strong energy stocks — Metgasco and Solimar Energy.

How much did Doreen Daze's portfolio gain and what was the annualised return?

Her hypothetical portfolio rose 9.5% in the week and 14.5% over the month, which the article described as an annualised return of about 173%.

Which individual stocks had the biggest impact on the share race results?

The two standout contributors were Metgasco (a coal-seam gas explorer) and Solimar Energy (an oil and gas producer). Gold stocks such as Alacer Gold and St Barbara also helped some entrants when the gold price surged.

Why was Metgasco suspended from trading during the race?

Metgasco was suspended on the last day of the race because it was about to carry out a placement, according to the article.

How did the gold price movement affect competitors in the race?

A surge in the gold price boosted portfolios that held gold miners: Qaiser Malik gained 1.8% over the week as Alacer Gold and St Barbara regained value.

How did Chartist Richard Pritchard perform in the share race?

Chartist Richard Pritchard was the second-best performer for the week, posting a 9.1% surge.

Did the big banks help or hurt competitors' results in the race?

The four big banks weighed participants down in the race — like the broader market, the banks largely did nothing and acted as a drag on returns.

When does the next InvestSmart share race begin?

The article notes that a new race starts next Sunday.