I have found that putting together a list and then checking off when things get done helps me stay abreast of things. I find this particularly helpful with the market, that often fast-moving entity that can catch you off guard if you are not paying attention. So, let’s see …
- Global economic growth
- US economic growth
- ECB bond-buying program
- German court ruling
- Dutch election
- Fed QE3 decision
Spain request for financial aid
US elections
Dealing with US fiscal cliff
Understand, a check mark does not mean an item is definitively done, such as the first two on the list above, but if it has a check, it is certainly on the way to getting done.
Retail sales rose for a second straight month in August, boosted by automobiles and high gasoline prices, but the underlying tone pointed to modest economic growth in the third quarter.
The US economy and the global economy, although growing slowly, are, in fact, growing. I will feel better about my economic check-offs after the last three on the list have a check next to them. However, the four check marks above the last three are solid, which leads me to conclude, the world is getting closer to turning a very sharp political and economic corner. As I wrote recently, the clock is ticking toward the stroke of midnight on all of the big global economic and political issues that have plagued the market the last three years or so. As to the geo-political issues (think Middle East explosion) that could affect the market …
All I am saying is give growth a chance (sorry about that Lennon lovers). Okay, let me rephrase that – as market players, we should play the upside of the market for the near term future, as the check marks signal a happier market, one with more confidence about the future, and if the other items get checked off satisfactorily in the next 60-90 days …
As well, let’s not forget the fact that this market is repeating a pattern I have pointed out before – the last three falls have been up, way up. Oh, and don’t forget the improving sentiments of the US consumer (think big sales this fall and winter) and, hopefully, the European consumer and European businesses, now that the power-players are putting a floor under the fiscal issues there. Did I forget to mention China?
This powerful economic driver has to feel good about what is going on in Europe, since Europe buys so much of its goods. We also know that the government has begun stimulating the economy, both to motivate internal consumption and to attract more foreign investment, which, by the way has worked. Remember the numbers I gave recently. Last year was a record for foreign investment and 2012 is on the way to breaking that record. Hey, I’m just sayin’ …
Sometimes, I get questions, I just cannot answer because I don’t know the answer. Here is one.
- What is the best platform for trading options that has direct access to the market?
Trade in the day; Invest in your life …
