Last Friday, I suggested looking at US stock market valuations because they were back to the attractive levels of July 2009. (“It’s Time to Look at Stock Valuations” – June 25.) That was a fact-based analysis. Today, let’s add in the psychological side, then blend the two together. »
Archive for June, 2010
It’s Time to Look at Stock Valuations
Last month, I concluded a write-up by saying I would next be looking at stock valuations (Building on Current Earnings Foundation, Analysts Project Future Growth – May 20). Then the five baddies hit (Goldman, Greece, BP, Afghanistan and flash crash) and valuations became moot. Uncertainty took control of the stock market. So, I decided... »
Business Loans Show Signs of Improvement
Bank lending, a closely watched indicator of economic health, is improving in an important area: Commercial and industrial loans. When, coming out of a recession, banks are willing to lend to businesses and businesses are willing to borrow, it’s typically a positive sign. »
Five Stock Market Pictures – Which One Is Right?
In the stock exchange art gallery hang five different paintings of this year’s stock market. Which one should we choose as being the right one? »
The US Stock Market’s New Thrills
The US stock market continues to get into the record books. This time it’s the quick drop from April 26 to June 7, unmatched in the past 80 years except in 1950 when the Korean War broke out. So, what’s going on? Is this the beginning of a new bear market? Or is there... »
Lowenstein’s ‘End’ Whets Appetite for More
BOOK REVIEW As Roger Lowenstein says, the “end” in his latest book’s title, The End of Wall Street, means the repudiation and cessation of Wall Street’s last, big phase. Consider it an evolutionary step that didn’t quite work out as planned. »
Gold: A Wonderful, Terrible Global Investment
Gold has its own Midas touch. It can turn depression and despair into excitement and dreams of wealth. War and terrorism? Gold rises. Inflation and currency devaluation? Buy gold. World economy sinking? Gold is the answer. Fantastic. But wait… »
The Lonely Art of Contrarian Investing
Imagine that when the internet bubble peaked on March 15, 2000, you had already begun moving out of high-flying, technology stocks into stagnant, “old economy” ones. Or, when the market bottomed on March 9, 2009, you were already moving into actively managed stock funds. A pipe dream? No – it’s the result of successful... »
Time to Be a Contrarian
Investor and media sentiment has coalesced around a key thought: The economy is about to slow, stagnate and/or turn down – therefore, this is not a time to buy stocks. Whenever widespread agreement occurs in investing, invariably the smart action is contrary to common belief. Here’s what investors are doing and examples of how... »
Only Three Months Until 2011, So Plan Now
What fun! Looking ahead to the New Year, as we write off the past and focus on the future. No, my calendar isn’t broken. I’m talking about the stock market’s New Year’s celebration. »
A Quadruple Dip in Confidence
The month of May brought thoughts of, “Here we go again!” And no wonder. Starting two years ago, stock investors have been buffeted by large uncertainties, bad to terrible news and losses that still haven’t been recouped. However, I believe today’s investor angst is overwrought, caused by what went on before as much as... »
Want Good Returns? Look to the Future
It’s easy to be mired down by today’s headlines. The negative news and uncertainties, even imponderables, can remove enthusiasm for keeping money “at risk” even though you know it’s the right thing to do – long term. The solution? Focus on the future. Doing so puts your eye on the determinants of coming returns. »