I'm confused ! ( re mw reception )

I know that ferrite loopsticks are directional.

Is sensititivity max with;
Stick pointed to the station ( like a pencil point )
or
Stick at right angles to the station ??
or
Stick vertical

I use a small Panasonic pocket radio for late-nite radio listening.

It seems that no matter how I position the radio,
I get definite peaks and nulls in the signal as I rotate it.

( I used to think I knew this stuff...... )
rj