Re: Any way to lock in gains w/o paying short term rates?
That related industry thing is a common way to avoid wash sales. Especially with ETF's, if it's a large part of an index (hint, Apple). Another way is deep in the money covered calls, although I'll let you look that up to see if it's a constructive sale. Example: Sell a March 08 covered call with a strike of 100. It would probably bring you about $55 or $60. The stock would have to drop below $100 for you to lose money. If it starts getting near, you can calculate whether it's cheaper to bail out and pay the tax or hope it stays afloat. Two things - obviously you need the stock to trade options, and there is a danger your short call will be exercised early and you will trigger the gain. Still no worse than just selling right now.
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