Wondering If I Just Got the Hottest Stock Pick

Last night we had a 'progressive party,' where we had three courses at three different houses in the neighborhood. It was a fun way to get a chance to see each house, chat at each table, and have something different to eat at each venue.

One of the guests was a research nurse. I was fascinated hearing her describe her work. She does research into antibiotics....doing careful trial and analysis about which drugs are the most effective. She follows patient's progress and sees which drugs work the best in each situation.

I kept thinking about the value of what she's learned, taken in the realm of the stock market. If we knew that a soon to be released drug was remarkably effective against certain pathogens, it would send the maker's stock soaring.

I have never acted on a tip but as I listened to her describe the partnership between the drug firms, the hospital, and the nursing staff, I thought, 'wow' what a gold mine of information. Sadly, I never did get the name of the new drugs they've been testing, nor the name of the firm. But if I did, I might be calling my broker right about now.