History doesn’t repeat itself but it sometimes rhymes
Well it eventually arrived and arrived in style. That is of course the housing market smash. What was most surprising was how long it was allowed to move beyond a reasonable price before it imploded.
Structured Wet Cotton
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning, Writes:
With all the negative euphoria in the world today it is easy to see why there are a range of structured or guaranteed products being released.
Understanding Investor Psychology
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning, writes:
I was asked quite recently about how difficult investing money can be, given the current market conditions and how investors must be feeling. I was also asked at what point I believed the market would turn.
Many are too quick to blame the ‘credit crunch’ for Icelandic bank problems
Reader Writes:
What is your view on the losses made by many in the Icelandic banks and also those who offered the access to the banks via their websites as ‘experts’?
Is forced selling the cause of the stock market drop?
Stock markets tend to be reasonably efficient in terms of evaluating stocks and where their momentum is likely to carry them. In forward and buoyant markets they price themselves upwards and vice versa.
Interest rates will fall to 3%, the cost of living will also fall dramatically
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning, Writes:
Up to last Thursday, it all made sense, even with all the falls. After that the whole thing became barmy and investor sentiment has taken over into full on fear, with stocks like Standard life trading up one day at near £3 and then down to near £2 two days later.
Markets in almost Armageddon, what’s the way forward now?
Reader Writes:
With the markets in almost Armageddon can you shine any light of hope for the way forward?
Noise Noise Noise
Managing Director, Worldwide Financial Planning Writes:
You will perhaps remember an article I wrote in June this year. In it I put our current situation down to greed across the board.
What protection do I have if my insurer goes bust?
Reader Writes:
I am concerned about what protection I may have in the event my insurer goes bust. I had a pension and investment with AIG and was ready to pull it out. Have you any views on this?
Stamp Duty Changes – Helping the bottom rung
Reader Writes:
Do you think the governments changes will boost the housing market?
In short, not really. The changes are obviously at the bottom end, and will support the first rung of the ladder. I am not a ladder person, but no-one would go to the top if the first one was broken. Each layer feeds the other and without each layer the whole thing falls apart.
Hard Times for BRIC companies or is it all just noise?
Reader Writes:
Do you have a view on whether the BRIC companies will still outperform over the coming years or is it time to take your profits?
Economic outlook for the next six months
Reader writes
What is your outlook for the economy over the next six months to year in terms of growth?