The Ticker

World Markets Shudder

By Kirk Shinkle

Posted: January 8, 2009

Before the open, analysts at Leavitt Brothers run down the latest damage from around the world. They write:

Good morning. Happy Thursday.

Every single world market is down, and most markets are down a bunch.

In Asia/Pacific, Taiwan lost 5.3%, Japan and Hong Kong lost almost 4%, Australia, China and Singapore lost more than 2% and Indonesia and Seoul fell more than 1%.

In Europe, Austria, Belgium and Stockholm are down more than 2% and France, Germany, Amsterdam, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and London are down more than 1%.

Needless to say, futures here in the States indicate a moderate gap down for the cash market. 30 minutes before the open Nas 100 futures are down 6.25 (0.5%) to trade at 1233.25 while SPX futures are down 8 (0.9%) to trade at 897.25.

Mixed with the release of December retail sales numbers that are expected to be brutal, it could be a long day for stocks.

Patience Is A Virtue!!!

The markets simply must adjust from their instant gratification mode they have enjoyed for years to a recession era mode which dictates long-term investments with long-term returns. If our government begins to reregulate back to pre-1990 levels, the markets will have convulsions. If our nation survives, the recovery will be messy since the markets are like an unruly children, instilling discipline entails tough love. Everyone must have patience particularly the markets since they are a major cause of the problem and have yet to take steps to repair. These same entities now suffering had enjoyed the benfits of a booming economy before the downturn so sympathy is wasted on them. They simply must have patience!!!

Ray Fisher of NM @ Jan 08, 2009 10:51:01 AM

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The Ticker

The Ticker

Kirk Shinkle is a senior editor at U.S. News. He writes daily about ups and downs in equity markets, sectors and stocks. Formerly, he covered business and economics on both coasts for Investor's Business Daily.

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