Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Sites | Writers | Advertise | My Orble | Login

Benkaiser.NET Investment Portal - Seeking The Alpha

 

Welcome to Benkaiser.NET Investment Portal, an alternative outlet of independent commentaries and views on investment and finance.

A joint-venture by On Topic Media PTY LTD and Benjamin C.

About Us

Of Shares and Markets - Benkaiser.NET Investment Portal

It is as good as dice throwing

February 1st 2008 14:59
Enters the second month of 2008, the markets rose. ASX S&P 200 benchmark index closed the first day of February 3.41% higher. Sounds good but.....

"Our market is over-reacting one day and then over-correcting the next ... it's uncertainty, investors really don't know which way it (the market) is going.''


ABN Amro Morgans private client adviser Simon Ferguson, quoted by The Age.



87
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Double Down: UBS and a Nervous Market

January 30th 2008 10:19
Folks, following the latest updates below what do you think will happen to the Australian sharemarket tomorrow?

From Bloomberg:

1: UBS Reports Record Loss After $14 Billion Writedown (Update3)
UBS AG, Europe's largest bank by assets, reported a record loss after about $14 billion of writedowns on assets infected by subprime mortgages in the U.S.

2: Stocks Fall in Europe, Asia, Led by BNP, RBS; U.S. Futures Drop
`Markets Nervous'

``Markets are very nervous,'' said David Buik, market analyst at BGC Partners in London. ``People are poised for today's Fed decision. They are not convinced we will get a 50 basis point cut. If we don't, the outcome could otherwise be temporarily disastrous.''


Europe's Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Index lost 0.8 percent. France's CAC 40 dropped 1.7 percent, and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 retreated 0.9 percent. Germany's DAX slumped 0.7 percent.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index lost 1 percent. South Korea's Kospi Index fell 3 percent, the region's biggest decline. Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 1 percent to 13,345.03. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index slumped 2.3 percent.

Some will feel their legs weak while there are some who see opportunities. Nevertheless the odds of a south are definitely not slim, unless the US market produce a miracle overnight but what are the odds of it?

84
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Cash is King

January 26th 2008 02:23
As long as the interest rate is higher than the inflation rate or simply, a positive real rate, shifting your investments into income assets such as term deposits would be a wise move, if the markets and the US economy dive further south, which is likely to be the case.

It was not surprising to see the market rebound on Thursday and Friday as many played the mind game of guessing that others will see a 'buying opportunity' after big fall over the weeks, as a chance to buy cheap stocks, shoot it up and unload them fast. The herd got it pretty well together this time.

But don't be fooled by it as it all could be a very short illusion before everything tumbles again. A slip of bad news concerning the US economy will send markets around the world down. The paranoia is prevalent.

It could be a very rough ride until middle of this year when perhaps we could see some quality play. But until then, enjoy a barby and read all about the Rogue Trader of 2000s. This time it is not the British but French.

Let's all chill out during the long Australia Day weekend. Take a chill pill.
78
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Recession, inflation and China

January 9th 2008 08:30
Still riding on the back of a 'looming' US recession, the local market fell marginally today. The ASX S&P 200 benchmark index shed 0.7% at closing. Now the question is how many times have we heard of a recession coming up in the US? Since mid last year and this time, experts believe, will be the real thing. Again another question, how many times have we heard a US recession is about to begin? Same answer.

The Treasurer believes that Australia could weather the recession but business confidence of the near future is not too bright. And it got dimmer today when Commonwealth Bank today joined NAB and ANZ in raising their interest rates.
[ Click here to read more ]
81
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Go Steady, said Mr. Rat

January 8th 2008 09:26
If 2007 was a year associated with extremes than 2008 will be a year of moderation and taking it easy as believed by some.

The prediction game using Chinese astrology is going on strong before Chinese New Year on February 7th sets in, and it seems that the coming Year of Rat is giving hints to investors to go slow and steady. As reported by The Standard, Hong Kong-based group director and member of the Investment Committee of Financial Partners International, Peter Kande was told, 'So for those born in rat years, I am told, long-term investments could show favorable returns, since the earth components of the year prefers conservatism and practicability.'
[ Click here to read more ]
83
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Value is in the eyes of the shareholder

January 7th 2008 11:09
Sharemarkets worldwide today plunged on the fear of a possible recession in the US based on negative employment data.

The Australian ASX S&P 200 benchmark index fell by 2% welcoming the year of 2008 as normalcy returns. Is this the long awaited 'real' correction? Time will tell.
[ Click here to read more ]
92
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


2008: The Feng Shui View

December 27th 2007 11:50
It is a fact when we know we can determine an outcome using scientific method and one that can be rigorously tested. The point is that it is not some random event.

In terms of share markets the scientific method is usually referred as 'quantitative/technical' and/or 'fundamental' analysis. But then again, there is always the factor of 'error' to act as provision that an outcome may not turn out what we expect. Think 'random walk'. This is after all, a market that cannot be experimented in a laboratory. It is 'live'.
[ Click here to read more ]
102
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Now comes the real work

November 25th 2007 05:48
We shall remember 24th November of 2007 as a day Australia began a new chapter in history. Finally John Howard is gone and enters Kevin Rudd. The campaign did not start six weeks ago but slightly less than a year ago when Kevin Rudd took over Labor's leadership.

The nation has decided for a change, a fresh leadership and fresh ideas. But the real work starts now. Mr. Rudd, the Prime Minister-elect, will now be under intense scrutiny for his performance as much as the hopes of the people are pinned on him to deliver.
[ Click here to read more ]
86
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


What is fantasy and what is not

September 30th 2007 00:37
Ignorance is bliss. Not so if you are in the sharemarket, especially so when comparing active funds to a benchmark index. Most of the time from casual comparison to academic research, the cost and tax effects are left out simply for simplicity sake.

Imagine the troubles of taking tax and costs implications into account. It is not impossible but just a hassle. The assumption is that you are assumed to know about the compulsory implications.
[ Click here to read more ]
49
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Comments (2)Comments (2) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


More signs of a recession building up

September 18th 2007 10:57
As per New York Times, by Floyd Norris:

Double Warning That a Recession May Be on the Way
[ Click here to read more ]
58
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Sentiment Drops

September 11th 2007 11:21
With less than four months to go before rolling into 2008, what lies for the year ahead? For a start, investor confidence for one year range ahead dived in line with the current volatile and shaky market condition.

This is what market participants believe, perhaps for now, assuming the negative views were formulated from the current clumsy market situation.
[ Click here to read more ]
62
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


A look into the Round Trip

September 9th 2007 09:02
As the local market closes ahead of the US and European markets, sentiment was relatively good with the media highlighting an 'ease in credit fears', and then only to be overturned completely the next day, thanks to US latest economic data; a surprise fall in jobs.

Because of the time difference, the local market is expected to dive tomorrow after a weekend of translating the negative news imported from across the Pacific.
[ Click here to read more ]
34
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


An August Reflection

September 2nd 2007 06:17
August ended with the markets finishing higher, in the midst of a severe volatility dictated by emotions and sentiments swinging like a pendulum clock. The ASX S&P 200 benchmark index closed nearly 2% higher to 6247.2 points on the back of positive performance in the energy, mining and banking sectors.

Some experts believe that optimism has return but added the caution of extreme sentiment play, under the influence of US debt fallout. Who is bored of the story? Hands up, please.
[ Click here to read more ]
38
Vote
Shared on
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Making A Recession

August 30th 2007 16:21
Now there are genuine fears that the US economy will slip into recession if fears of the debt fall out continue. So what are the odds of a recession occuring?

James B. Stack of InvesTech Research writes:
[ Click here to read more ]
46
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


A 'Penguin' Market

August 29th 2007 10:03
What do penguins and the current markets have in common?

As soon as the sun sets the penguins will return to their nests after a long day of swimming and fishing. The birds will wait for all to turn up upon beaching before marching off together to their nests located further inland, usually among the bushes. This is their defensive behavior against any possible predators or intruders. The penguins will all rush back to the water upon any form of disturbance to their march, be it the cheeky seagull obstructing the way or even a small stone thrown on to their path, even though it may be harmless.
[ Click here to read more ]
38
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Benjamin - Category: Of Shares and Markets
   


Next Page (16-30)



[ Benkaiser.NET Investment Portal Home ] [ Create A New Post ]

Benjamin's Blogs

0 Vote(s)
0 Comment(s)
0 Post(s)
0 Vote(s)
0 Comment(s)
0 Post(s)
Moderated by Benjamin
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]