Know Your Investment Guru: Pete Najarian

With two all business networks, CNBC and Fox Business, and numerous business shows on other cable networks it's easier than ever for the investor to keep a breast of events in the market. Popular features on many shows are stock gurus, men and women who manage money professionally and share selections through on various shows. All to often the only information we receive about such a guru is where they work. Who are these people and what exactly are their qualifications? This is one of a series examining stock gurus who appear regularly and influence our thinking about our investments

Meet Pete Najarian

Nick named "The Pit Boss" Pete comes across on screen as an exuberant fellow with a passion for what he does. Like a kid in a candy store. His nature is revealed, I think, when you look past the shirt and tie and note the thin ponytail running down his back. He appears regularly on the CNBC show "Fast Money" airing weekdays at 5 PM Eastern time.

Pete graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota with a degree in genetic engineering. His entry into the business world was delayed by several tears by a stint in professional football with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings.. In 1992 he joined his brother, Jon, at Mercury Trading and by 2000 was president of the firm, a position he held until 2004. Since then he's been co-founder of One Chicago, a trading exchange, Hedgehog, a trading platform, and the trademarked Heat Seeker, a system for tracking unusual trading action. He also co-founded Optionmonster.com, an informational site for traders. His specialty is options trading.

Much of Pete's commentary is on playing options and futures. With stocks he seems to be a frequent trader, moving in and out of positions in a day or two. From time to time he will report on unusual buying activity in the options of a particular stock. This can portend a rise in the stock and may be the most useful information he has for the casual investor. Those wishing to learn options can attend class weekdays at five.

As always, no securities should be purchased on the advice of a few minutes commentary. Pete's recommendations seem like a good place to start for many so don't hesitate to research her ideas, consult your own financial advisor and consider them in light of your own personal situation.

Sources:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/18945714
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/stocks/commentary/satinterview/-76527.cfm