For those who have read my Chinese New Year message, “Gong Xi Fatt Chai” posted on 1 Feb 2008, you would realize that why I have predicted a more volatile 2008 as compared to last year. The short answer is just simply the macro picture is deteriorating!
In a way, the Americans are going through what I call a transitional pain as far as the US economy is concern. At this juncture, they not only have to adjust to slower economy growth (or even a recession) but at the same time have to endure a high inflation rate. As mentioned before, between growth and inflation, the choice is obvious for US Fed. Just like the employment figure, inflation is a lagging indicator. While the inflation pressure is high at the moment, it will subside gradually if the slowing of the macro economy is gathering speed (more signs pointed to this right now). No surprise that US Fed would continue to cut its interest rate, no surprise that inflation rate would remain in the short term.
What would happen to the stock markets then? Well, the stock markets would react accordingly. That is market would retreat when the bad economic numbers are announced and would rise when Fed cut its interest rates or some positive news in the markets such as big M&A news etc, hence the volatility of the stock markets. This would continue to happen until one force dominates the other. The likely scenario would be that the macro economy would continue to slow and the policy makers would try all their means to reverse that. This is going to play out in the next few months. An optimist would say that by the 4th quarter of this year, the growth engine would start to roar again!
Before we talk about recovery of US economy, investors have to ensure that they survive for the next few months. We have to be aware that the massive downgrade of credit rating on bonds (corporate bonds, bonds of bond insurers, municipal bonds….etc really all kind of bonds) by credit agencies has barely begun. We have to watch very closely with regard of this development as it would have a huge ramification throughout the entire financial industry. This perhaps would be the last shoe of the market to drop?
What strategies to use? No change, we should still stick to value strategy as well as investrade strategy (need special care to use this, please refer to e-book, “The Essence of Stock Investment” or the e-seminar with the same title). Cheers!
Master “The Essence of Stock Investment” and ride towards the journey of your financial freedom to be the “Master of Your Own Destiny”!Disclaimer: Investors are investing at your own risk. Please read full disclaimer at the end of the blog or from the main page of the website.
February 6th, 2008
NW Teong
Dear friends, readers, students and fellow investors, I would like to use this opportunity to wish every one a bountiful year of Rat! May your year of Rat be filled with happiness, wealth and lots of good health!
Looking at the stock charts, it is clear to me that stock markets are trying to form a base after experiencing huge volatility in the past four weeks. In fact, the huge plunge started around 26th and 27th Dec 2007 (i.e. right after Xmas) and began to slow down around this time. While we may still see some volatility in the markets, I think this volatility will gradually subside over time, perhaps until the next new stimulant (i.e. new factor to stir up the market) comes about. This is like a ball dropping from a high level and the ball will bounce off high from the floor initially and the bouncing will lose momentum after a while.
Having said the above, my personal view is that 2008 will be a much more volatile year as compared to last year. Firstly, the macro picture is expected to deteriorate and perhaps will start to recover by the last quarter of the year. If this is true, it will surely create a huge turnaround of the markets, hence a big downs and big ups for the markets. If we assume this is true, other than the value strategy, we could also use what I coined the “investrade” strategy as explained in my e-book and e-seminar. Secondly, we have to be mindful of events which are able to affect world economy, such as US President election, China Olympic etc and on regional impact the Taiwan President election, Malaysia election…etc. Depending on the outcome of these events, they may sway the markets in one way or another. Thirdly, weather can only get more chaotic with times (until such time that we, human being are willing to sacrifice some growth and hence economic gain for the sake of environment. We should stop raping the mother earth anymore for there remains very few virgin lands around!). Fourthly, this is related to the above weather change. We will continue to be plagued by various diseases such as bird flu and perhaps other new and varied diseases.
For this year stock markets, one needs discipline, wisdom and more importantly patience to reap big gains. Of course, using the right investment strategy would surely help.
In summary, my short term view is that while markets remain volatile, the volatility will gradually subside with time. However, my overall view for this year is that market as compared to last year would be much more volatile. Please continue to monitor the macro indicators very closely! Please note that a volatile year can be a very rewarding year too!
Cheers!
Master “The Essence of Stock Investment” and ride towards the journey of your financial freedom to be the “Master of Your Own Destiny”!Disclaimer: Investors are investing at your own risk. Please read full disclaimer at the end of the blog or from the main page of the website.
February 1st, 2008
NW Teong
