The TSX Venture exchange has had the stuffing kicked out of it. Looking at the five-year chart, we're nearing the low of late 2008 and early 2009 when it was battered the worst, and volume lately has been pathetic:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/markets/indexes/chart/?q=jx-I

But look at the chart after that, it's a pretty steady line upwards throughout much of 2009 and 2010. Remember how enthralling it was at that time? It was hard to pick a loser. Stocks, including CUU, were rising mightily and it was an incredible feeling to be making money (or feeling like you were making money if you didn't book any profit).

Remember, all these things go in cycles. It's not an exact science, but you can be sure the Venture won't be at a lowly 1,000 points forever. The people who panic or get frustrated enough and sell now will surely regret it. For those who have no choice but to cash out due to external factors, it's unfortunate.

Hopefully CUU's big NRs come as the Venture is bulding steam again. Spring usually brings a seasonal selloff, but maybe we'll buck the trend this year. It happens sometimes.

GLTA.