Lets keep it simple and concise (2-3 paragraphs each). Post to the poll, and post your reasons and caveats for bullishness and bearishness on US and international equity markets.
I'll start:
1) Bullish US equities - good economic reports, SOLID jobs (most important, as it relates to housing market support), cheaper commodities w/ inflation under control. Most importantly, valuations to this bull market ARE under control. Nothing like tech bubble enthusiasm of 99 (although I might not be able to say the same thing about China). Just like last year, I think three main risks exist:
a) housing market - much worse than expected, causes chain reaction of fnma/etc bond holder market collapse (from ARM resets defaulting), halt of construction, stop of consumer spending, and massive job losses.
b) geopolitical/oil/inflation risk. if hurricanes occur and Iran pulls a fast one on the oil markets sending oil to $100+, could threaten immensely.
c) earnings take a dump.
So I'm calling for great 1st half 07 ... the rest is a crapshoot. 3 statistical notes to watch for (c/o trader's almanac) that interest me:
a) pre election years lately have always been bullish lately.
b) january is the market's strongest month.
c) first 5 days of market action predict year's outcome with something like 87% success for last century !!!
2) International markets - neutral to bullish (especially markets that have overheated) ...
I'll start:
1) Bullish US equities - good economic reports, SOLID jobs (most important, as it relates to housing market support), cheaper commodities w/ inflation under control. Most importantly, valuations to this bull market ARE under control. Nothing like tech bubble enthusiasm of 99 (although I might not be able to say the same thing about China). Just like last year, I think three main risks exist:
a) housing market - much worse than expected, causes chain reaction of fnma/etc bond holder market collapse (from ARM resets defaulting), halt of construction, stop of consumer spending, and massive job losses.
b) geopolitical/oil/inflation risk. if hurricanes occur and Iran pulls a fast one on the oil markets sending oil to $100+, could threaten immensely.
c) earnings take a dump.
So I'm calling for great 1st half 07 ... the rest is a crapshoot. 3 statistical notes to watch for (c/o trader's almanac) that interest me:
a) pre election years lately have always been bullish lately.
b) january is the market's strongest month.
c) first 5 days of market action predict year's outcome with something like 87% success for last century !!!
2) International markets - neutral to bullish (especially markets that have overheated) ...
.....that means stocks go.........yes you are correct.