"Volatile" means moving sharply. It does not mean "down," which was a common misuse by analysts and the media during the recent bear market. Our speaker sees the unsettled world and U.S. economic news background continuing to make markets volatile in the new year. He will describe important developments to watch (and watch out) for, and will discuss the investing and trading disciplines required for successfully negotiating choppy waters. His talk will include industries and sectors to favor (and avoid), as well as his current assessment of technical conditions. His talk on a similar subject at the AAII national conference in November was heavily attended and well received, and he has been a popular guest at several other AAII chapters.
 
Carl M. Birkelbach is founder, chairman, and CEO of Birkelbach Investment Securities Inc., providing brokerage services since 1978, and of Birkelbach Management Corp., a registered investment adviser. Previously he was a registered rep at McCormick & Co., where he wrote its weekly market letter. Earlier in his 40+ years in investments, he was with the trust department of the Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Co. Birkelbach is the author of "Stock Market Forecasting Through Charting,” of which over 10,000 copies have been printed. He has been editor of the Investment Strategy Letter, published since 1975. He appears frequently in media interviews. Carl is active in environmental causes and other civic interests.

Learn:
 * Why markets will remain volatile; how to cope
 * What keys to look for in 2010
 * The importance of selling discipline for capital protection
 * Answers to your individual questions from a veteran market expert