My career on Wall Street began at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the late 70's. After leaving Drexel, I managed bond desks for over the counter NASD firms., trading junk, mortgage bonds, corporates and bankrupt debt. Writing research and market commentaries began in 1995 and now includes research for institutional investors regarding bankruptcies and high yield securities.
Published analytical works include the following notable Buy recommendations: Conseco Inc, Federal Mogul, Ual Corporation, Dura Corp, Tower Automotive, Interstate Bakeries, and Patriot Coal. Notable Hold or Sells: Westpoint Stevens Inc, Visteon and Delphi. I have held NASD series 7, 8, 24,53 and 65 licenses. That is the Who and The What. As to the When, Where and Why.
The opportunity to move from CT/NYC to Fort Walton Beach, FL presented itself and I took it. Being entrepreneurial, I sold my home and stocks and moved to the beach. The ideal place to develop my internet businesses; Bids4bonds.com and Bids4books.com.
The next cycle of rising interest rates and bankruptcies is just beginning and will continue for years. Investors should begin to aggressively invest in bankruptcies and other distressed bond debt. Bank debt will be the best place to be on the capital structure. I have written about banking and finance for decades, not as a journalist but as a member of the capital markets with an audience as sophisticated as it gets.
Stephen P. Vlahos
Performance Plus Advisors, Inc.