One could argue we have moved from an age of exuberance to an age of despondency. Not long ago our major concern was sky rocketing commodity prices, and its effect on global inflation; enter the credit crisis. We are currently witnessing an unprecedented global sell-off with no regards to asset classes or quality, or as I like to call it the age of despondency. We have achieved capitulation. One positive result of this is this action is that it was a necessary step to bring us out of these uncertain times. In the end we should establish a clear bottom, and eventually stage a sustained comeback. Important to highlight is that in this age of despondency many assets, regardless of quality, have been pulled down to interim lows. For example right now, you can purchase the 30 stocks that make-up the Dow and receive a 3.8% dividend, plus of course any appreciation or depreciation of the assets. I won’t even begin to get into the credit market…
Looking ahead, what will happen? Global governments have made it clear they are willing to take significant action to stem the adverse effects of this current crisis. However, markets have been acting faster than these governments can react. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that government and especially monetary policy tend to work on a lag. We still have not realized the effects of the recent rates cuts, and more importantly the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). It is extremely likely we will see an additional set of global rate cuts sometime in the near future. This despite the fact the real effect of these cuts won’t be immediately realized, nonetheless, the psychological effect will be immediate. And of course, given the unbiased sell-off across all assets and qualities, investor psychology has definitely played a major role in this sell-off.
I believe that current and potential future government/monetary policies will eventually lead to stabilization in global markets over the next couple months. Prior to this however we face what could be a volatile earnings season, poor holiday sales in the US, and what will likely be worsening economic news from the US and Europe. Also, downgrades to either Morgan Stanley or Goldman Sachs could significantly extend the current market uncertainty, and this should be monitored closely. Nevertheless, unlike developed nations which are facing both the credit crisis and an economic slowdown, for the most part emerging markets are only facing the latter. What does this mean? I believe that once markets stabilize Russia, China, & Brazil will likely benefit the most over the mid-term. These markets are all significantly off their highs, yet domestically are still experiencing relatively strong GDP growth. What we want to monitor in these markets is the ability of domestic demand to make-up for slowing export markets. As for the developed nations, especially the US, there will be a critical shift from what were major consumers to major savers; given the importance of consumption in these economies we will likely see Real GDP growth remain below trend through the rest of this decade.
Here are some basic trading ideas, however, these are only suggestions; I in no way advocate undertaking them. I personally am hesitant to make any moves until I see some easing in the credit markets and proof that the TARP and other policies have begun to unlock credit markets… There is without question some great values out there on an individual equity basis, but the real question is whether or not you have the capital to stay in the market for as long as the market remains irrational…
Looking ahead, what will happen? Global governments have made it clear they are willing to take significant action to stem the adverse effects of this current crisis. However, markets have been acting faster than these governments can react. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that government and especially monetary policy tend to work on a lag. We still have not realized the effects of the recent rates cuts, and more importantly the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). It is extremely likely we will see an additional set of global rate cuts sometime in the near future. This despite the fact the real effect of these cuts won’t be immediately realized, nonetheless, the psychological effect will be immediate. And of course, given the unbiased sell-off across all assets and qualities, investor psychology has definitely played a major role in this sell-off.
I believe that current and potential future government/monetary policies will eventually lead to stabilization in global markets over the next couple months. Prior to this however we face what could be a volatile earnings season, poor holiday sales in the US, and what will likely be worsening economic news from the US and Europe. Also, downgrades to either Morgan Stanley or Goldman Sachs could significantly extend the current market uncertainty, and this should be monitored closely. Nevertheless, unlike developed nations which are facing both the credit crisis and an economic slowdown, for the most part emerging markets are only facing the latter. What does this mean? I believe that once markets stabilize Russia, China, & Brazil will likely benefit the most over the mid-term. These markets are all significantly off their highs, yet domestically are still experiencing relatively strong GDP growth. What we want to monitor in these markets is the ability of domestic demand to make-up for slowing export markets. As for the developed nations, especially the US, there will be a critical shift from what were major consumers to major savers; given the importance of consumption in these economies we will likely see Real GDP growth remain below trend through the rest of this decade.
Here are some basic trading ideas, however, these are only suggestions; I in no way advocate undertaking them. I personally am hesitant to make any moves until I see some easing in the credit markets and proof that the TARP and other policies have begun to unlock credit markets… There is without question some great values out there on an individual equity basis, but the real question is whether or not you have the capital to stay in the market for as long as the market remains irrational…
Cash:
Overweight Cash! (at least until we see the credit markets stabilize)
Pair Trade:
Long US Staples / Short Luxury (short to mid-term idea)
Commodities:
Overweight Grain (long-term idea)
Overweight Livestock (long-term idea)
Countries:
Overweight Russia/China/Brazil (mid to long-term idea once credit markets settle)
Defensive:
You can always Long Gold, and potentially Short Platinum
Long Financial Ultrashort ETF (potential hedge against Goldman or Morgan downgrade)
**Please email me for further ideas or questions:
Email Me
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1 comment:
Someone really decided to put on their thinking cap, great going! It’s fantastic to see people really writing about the important things.
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