One investor drove past a shopping center every Saturday. One store's parking lot was always overflowing while the others sat half empty. Instead of guessing, he bought shares in the busy retailer. Years later, the company had doubled in size and so had his investment. Wall Street Wisdom: Observe real life. Sometimes the best research begins in the parking lot.

It's about more than just preserving capital

The Fear Trade Sold because it felt scary. Watched it recover from the sidelines. Fear is loud. Logic is quiet. Fear usually wins the argument. Rarely wins the trade. He protected himself right out of the gains. Lesson: The most expensive emotion in investing is panic wearing a seatbelt.

Big things afoot