The stock market appears to be at a critical inflection point. That’s the takeaway from widely followed economist Marc Faber, author of the Boom, Gloom & Doom newsletter.
Faber’s bearish market calls have been followed closely since 1987 when he warned his clients to cash out before Black Monday.
And in a live interview on CNBC’s Fast Money Halftime Report, Faber again warned that economies of the world may be on the brink of a serious slowdown.
And in a live interview on CNBC’s Fast Money Halftime Report, Faber again warned that economies of the world may be on the brink of a serious slowdown.
Faber indicated that while investors remain focused on Greece and Europe – other issues, bigger issues are looming. And they’re more threatening.
“As an observer of markets – whenever everyone focuses on one thing – like Greece and Europe – maybe they miss issues that are far more important – such as a meaningful slowdown in India and China.”
“As an observer of markets – whenever everyone focuses on one thing – like Greece and Europe – maybe they miss issues that are far more important – such as a meaningful slowdown in India and China.”
The latest reports from Beijing would support Faber's assertion. The HSBC Flash Purchasing Managers Index, slipped to 48.7 in May from 49.3 in April. That marks the seventh straight month that the index has been below 50, a level which indicates economic activity is contracting.
Faber also cited weakness in the high-end as another key catalyst that’s very negative.
“There are more and more stocks that are breaking down – economic sensitive stocks and companies that cater to the high-end,” he said. "That suggests to me the economy is likely to weaken and the huge asset run is likely to come to an end with significant asset deflation.”
Earlier in the week Tiffany lowered forecasts citing slower sales. At that time, Fast Money trader Dan Nathan warned that results such as these were foreboding and suggested the high-end was starting to crack.
When taken in concert, Faber says all the economies of the world could take a hit from these negative developments.
“I think we could have a global recession either in Q4 or early 2013." When asked what were the odds, Faber replied, "100%."
However, in the near term Faber also sees potential for a market rally.
Faber said the bullish catalyst would be Greece exiting the EU.
“I think the market would be relieved if finally Greece exited the euro. There would be some clarity. Although it wouldn’t be good for banks and insurance (stocks) in general I think markets are oversold and with an exit – markets would rally.”
It’s worth noting that Faber is talking hypothetically; he does not think Greece exits the EU in the near future.
“What I think will happen is that Germany will show more flexibility and issue more euro bonds.”
Faber pointed to the recent decline in the euro as evidence that the currency markets share his view. “More bonds will challenge the quality of the euro. That’s why the euro has been very weak, lately."
For investors looking to navigate what could be a serious economic storm, Faber said the best thing to do is keep the portfolio in US dollars and own gold, “knowing that sentiment is negative and in the near-term it could trade down to the Dec 29 low of $1522.”
From an article on CNBC
If it really happen it is a good news for me.
ReplyDeleteI still have quite a number of cash on hand. Besides that even though my portfolio are mostly oil palm counters but I believe in the long run they are going to perform. I am investing for long term, short term volatility is a good chance for me to accumulate excellent counters. I miss the boat on 2009 hopefully this time I am able to grab some. Am I too evil?
I agree, investors should be rather conservative at this moment. But, things are difficult these days, it might be that there will be a bad recession, but it is also possible that quite quickly the "famous" moneyprinting starts again and things suddenly take off, economy still dong not too well but certain asset prices rising fast.
ReplyDeleteIs it time to buy silver now besides gold ?
ReplyDeleteI think investors should diversify their assets in these difficult and contradicting times: some in property, some in shares, some in bonds (although I dont like them much at this moment), some in cash. Next to that, some money (but less) in precious metals like gold, silver and platinum. However, dont pay too much commission, 1 or 2% max. Some assets will do better than others, but with the threat of global recession on one hand and money printing on the other, it is hard to make accurate shortterm predictions.
ReplyDelete