The Age Of Information Overload

Whenever I take time away from the market, I suffer a serious case of information overload on my arrival back. There are just so many websites, screens, tools, databases, etc. that when I miss a couple of weeks, my first instinct is to try to do everything that I usually do every day in a matter of just a few days which, in reality, is just impossible. It takes time to get back into the groove. So, if you've been taking time off, do yourself a big favor and take the time you need to get back in the swing of things. There's no need to rush it.

On another note, I have to say that the Wall Street Journal's new markets data center is really useful. At one simple page you can access just about everything you need to keep tabs on the market. I suspect that it will soon become a favorite for many investors (that is, until Google creates a better mouse trap).

Here are some of the WSJ data center's useful links:

• Commodities & Futures Overview


• Reversals and Moving Average Crossovers


• Volume Percentage Movers: NYSE, NASDAQ, & AMEX


• Stock Scan: Small Stocks


• ETF Gainers, Decliners, & Most Actives


• Money Flows: Buying on Weakness & Selling on Strength


• Late Trading: Most Active Issues