Market Update October 2011

Greetings to all:

Well…I know that I have used the term “rollercoaster” in my previous market updates, but enough now...please.? The 2011 ride may also require a pressure suit at times.

The volatility on global markets and our ASX has been record breaking and unbelievable to many in the industry. We have also been witness to this GFC fall out "Spectacle" of central banks and governments at great odds with each other, not to exclude the IMF & others, in an all star line up.

What a show….

Equities:
Not all equities, but I believe a select few will out perform on share markets. We now have some listed companies with balance sheets that are better than some sovereign countries.

The opportunities will be the direction of these companies and their acquisitions and consolidations in there respective sectors.

Property:
Property is still in a state of malaise in many countries. The US is now down 33% from its high`s and appears unable to find a bottom. Australia is holding up better in some pockets of the country for the fortunate few.

However, the trend is still downward I feel. My observations tell me that property valuations in amongst a growing number of distressed properties for sale in the market is now a very big problem for banks & borrowers. It can be a very slow process sadly in property corrections.

Cash:
Just a place to park at the moment, I don’t see interest rates rising any time soon. Some inflation figures are not always the best benchmark in my view to consider cash parking.

Asia / China:
This region is now paramount for the Australian economy and our future prosperity. Asia`s moves or should I say Asia`s responses in the days ahead will have a huge impact on the global economy. Should trade frictions brake out I would take it as a strong negative and a very big problem for Australia to manage Politically with all of our other trading partners.

We have had the big upset / GFC and now a little time (2 years),shared with much grieving and financial pain. The big upset was also the big truth on many issue`s that we all created and participated in and on global markets. Its an opportunity for the world to transform now we know some of the unknown, unknown`s out there. I am not saying that we have a grasp on all issues currently either.

The will to work collaboratively on these macro economic issue`s will be the test for the balance of 2011.

P.S We do historically have a bit of a Christmas rally on the ASX.

Take care & talk to you soon.