The US Stock Markets have had a rough start to 2008, and the FED seems helpless and unable to avert a severe slowdown. Small Cap companies are especially vulnerable due to their dependence on the US economy, as compared to Large multinationals that have a greater exposure to international markets.
Consumer Confidence is low.
Philadelphia FED DATA: The Diffusion Index of Current Activity.
Manufacturing in the Philadelphia region slowed significantly. The Index fell to a negative 20.9 in January, its lowest level since October 2001. Taken from the Philadelphia FED's Survey, it is considered to be the broadest measure of manufacturing conditions. http://www.philadelphiafed.org/
BOND INSURERS IN REAL TROUBLE
Bond insurers risk losing their AAA rating, as they struggle to raise fresh capital.
Clearly not the right time to be buying stocks just yet. I expect gold prices to be volatile ahead of the rate cut, with some further downside likely if a world market sell off occurs.
GOLD will outperform, as overvalued markets correct this year.
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