American Express Stock: Is This Downtick Really an Opportunity or Just Another Capitol Trick?!

Not Another Capitol Game!

Well isn't this just lovely? Just when you think you've survived one arena another one pops up – this time on Wall Street. Bank of America bless their heart (or should I say their wallets?) is telling us that American Express is strong enough to handle a consumer spending crunch. They've even upgraded the stock to 'buy.' Buy they say! As if I haven't heard that one before. Remember President Snow's promises? Yeah same energy. The stock's down over 16% this year and they're swooping in like a bunch of Peacekeepers offering 'comfort.' I'm sure they have only our best interests at heart...right?

Higher Income? More Like Higher Stakes

Apparently Amex caters to the 'higher income' crowd. You know the ones who probably never had to hunt squirrels to survive. Bank of America's analyst Mihir Bhatia claims these folks are 'more resilient' when it comes to spending. Oh so the rest of us can just starve? Great. He mentions that their data shows higher income households are spending more on cards than the rest of us. No surprise there! They're probably buying silk scarves and imported cheese while I'm over here trying to figure out if I can trade a mockingjay pin for a loaf of bread. It's always something isn't it? The odds are never in our favor.

Don't Bet on the Reaping...

They lowered the price target but they still think it has potential to go up. Analysts are split on the stock and only 11 have a 'buy' or 'strong buy' rating. Eighteen are on hold and two have an underperform or sell rating. Seems like no one really knows what's going on and are all just saying what they think we want to hear just like President Snow did.

The Ultimate Arena: The New York Stock Exchange

And here's the kicker: CNBC is having an exclusive event at the New York Stock Exchange! 'Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE!' they shout. It all sounds a little too similar to prepping tributes for the Hunger Games doesn't it? 'Here's your strategy! Network with the experts! May the best stock win!' I can almost see Effie Trinket handing out champagne and offering investment tips. Honestly the Capitol never changes does it?

Is It a Trap?

Interactive 'Pro clinics' with Carter Worth Dan Niles and Dan Ives? It sounds like a Capitol makeover but for your portfolio. And a cocktail hour on the trading floor? I bet the drinks are overpriced and the conversation is even worse. But hey at least you get to mingle with the 'elites' while they discuss how to make even more money off of your… oh I don't know let's say 'investment.' Remember there is always a cost...

My Advice? Stay Alive

So what's my take? Be careful. Be very careful. Wall Street is just another arena and the odds are rarely in your favor. Don't trust the Capitol – I mean the analysts – blindly. Do your research trust your instincts and remember what I learned: sometimes the only way to win is to refuse to play their game. And maybe just maybe keep a mockingjay pin handy. You never know when you might need a symbol of rebellion.