Regrets I Have Had a Few… Recently

Regrets, I’ve had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much, much more
I did it, I did it my way

– Frank Sinatra, My Way  Frank Sinatra – My Way | Live from The Main Event at Madison Square Garden (1974)

Few in the business take ownership of their losses and missed opportunities (long and short).

Every day I listen/view the B.S. of guests and panelists in the business media — as if they never made an investing or trading boner. Their insistence of buying lows and selling highs is disingenuous.

But I do take ownership of my screwups. 

As I have written, I am often wrong and always in doubt (and I mean that, as they are just not words).

Over the last four weeks I have had my share of blows — most recently in cannabis and Glass House ($GLAS) (which I will be discussing after speaking to management). After profiting and selling near the 52-week high, I sold my PepsiCo ($PEP) prematurely (after buying back near the 52-week low) — missing the last five-day advance from my sale price.

I failed to take advantage of excellent opportunities on the long side — specifically Microsoft ($MSFT) and Amazon ($AMZN), which I was poised to buy, but my ursine predilection held me back.

I also failed to take advantage of the opportunity set of individual short names. I saw “no broadening” and I took a quick and profitable trade shorting the Russell Index ($IWM) right at the highs, but I missed the big move (from $305 to under $280). I took a series of short-term gains in trading $SPY and $QQQ but missed the big (and playable) move down in the Nasdaq.

So…

My national anthem… but you need not rise!

My friends I have made it clear and I have stated my (bearish) case of which I am certain.

I have travelled each and every highway.

But more, more than this I did it my way.

Regrets I have had a few recently.

I grew tall through it all and did it my way.

I’ve loved, laughed and cried

I had my fill, my share of losing.

And now, as the tears subside.

I still don’t find that it’s all so amusing.

I took the blows but did it my way.

Position: Long GLAS (S)

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Posted by Doug Kass

Doug Kass is a world-renowned hedge fund manager with decades of experience and success navigating through some of the most turbulent periods in market history. He is known for his time-tested analytical skills and ability to look past the current noise and herd mentality. On TheStreet Pro, Kass provides frequent market commentary and investing ideas for active investors throughout each trading day in Doug’s Daily Diary. He also serves as president of Seabreeze Partners Management Inc. Previously, he served as a senior manager at Omega Advisors, a $6 billion investment partnership. He co-authored a book with Ralph Nader and the Center for the Study of Responsive Law called “Citibank: The Ralph Nader Report” and can be found as a guest host on CNBC's "Squawk Box." A Note from Doug: Current strategies and actionable trade ideas -- all on one dynamic platform built exclusively for active trades. From sudden sell-offs to sudden spikes, TheStreet Pro arms you with crucial analysis -- at a rapid fire, professional pace -- to help you make sound trading decisions -- every day, every hour, and every minute. Join me and my team of professional traders for unique perspectives and breakthrough investment opportunities.

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