Market Context
This week required extra patience as the market reversed sharply:
- S&P 500: -2.3%
- Russell 2000 Growth: –3.78%
- Moonshot Portfolio: from a positive +2.0% gain to a –1.5% drawdown
Even with approximately 50% in cash, the portfolio matched the downside in small-cap growth stocks, illustrating the volatility of a tactical, moonshot-focused mix, regardless of cash shielding.
Portfolio Moves & Tactics
Recent Executed Trades
- STM (STMicroelectronics):
- Increased position after earnings-related weakness near the end of July and on August 1, now ~8% of portfolio allocation.
- AEVA (Aeva Technologies):
- New starter position established after a significant post-earnings drop, ~2% of overall portfolio size.
- CRNX (Crinetics):
- Added to the existing position as the stock broke through key support—total portfolio allocation is approximately 25%, after the additional buy.
VKTX and VNET’s allocation percentages remain stable. Limit orders for SLDP and RNA are still open/unfilled, and realized losses are minimal so far.
Holdings Snapshot (% Allocation and Performance Only)
| Ticker | Company | Sector | Buying Activity | Allocation % | Gain/Loss (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRNX | Crinetics | Biotech | Laddered adds, June and August | ~25% | –11.6% | Increased on support break as planned |
| VKTX | Viking | Biotech | Established July | ~12% | +17.8% | Sector uptrend intact |
| VNET | VNET Group | Data | Established July | ~2% | +7.0% | Stable |
| STM | STMicro | Semiconductor | Added late July & early August | ~8% | –1.2% | Buying staged on post-earnings weakness |
| AEVA | Aeva Tech | Lidar | First buy August | ~2% | +2.9% | Starter after big drop |
| SLDP | Solid Power | Battery | Pending | 0% | 0.0% | Limit order open |
| RNA | Avidity Bio | Biotech | Pending | 0% | 0.0% | Limit order open |
| Cash | — | — | — | ~50% | n/a | Retained for flexibility |
Total Portfolio Return: –1.5%
This Week: –3.5%
Lessons & Outlook
- Volatility: Even with substantial cash, moonshot basket swings remain prominent.
- Patience: Entries made only at predetermined limit prices—no chasing or panic.
- Risk Management: Tight sizing and allocation discipline; no single trade outsized beyond conviction.
- Benchmarking: Lagged S&P 500 but inline with Russell 2000 Growth, showing sector impact is significant.
Next Steps & Watchlist
- Remain patient with AEVA and CRNX. New adds only with clear thesis and support.
- Maintain sizing discipline across all positions; no aggressive averaging down.
- Keep open limit orders; review only if market conditions change materially.
- Monitor news and sector trends for new catalysts.