2009 Yearender Post

Before 2009 ends, I would like to review some of the articles I posted in the past 12 months.

I realize I didn't make any real bold predictions for 2009 although I was extremely bearish in the last month of 2008. I made mention of Philex and surprisingly, Philex this year flew like crazy, but it was more due to speculation than gold prices. I won't give myself credit for that.

When the financial crisis struck, I remember everybody was predicting the end of the (financial) world yet here we are now - global stock markets are alive and kicking and economies around the globe are actually recovering. So I (and the rest of the people out there) may have been overly bearish last 2008.

But are we out of the woods yet?

The economic recovery in most countries worldwide is - in my opinion - due to the government intervention. The stock market on the other hand, picked up because of a lack of attractive investment vehicles. Real estate? Perhaps not. Bonds? Yes, but they're not as exciting. Personal and bailout money needs to go somewhere and it may have found its way to the equities market.

So what will happen in 2010? I won't predict what will happen globally but I'll take a crack at predicting locally.

I think oil prices will rise again.

Stocks will consolidate February to probably May, and then start to rise again to reach a new high for 2010. Then there's the election (if it pushes through). However, the rising of the stock market after May is highly dependent on who wins the Presidency and how high oil prices will be.

On a lighter note, I'd like to make some useless predictions - - - -

1. A young matinee idol will get pregnant...

2. ... And the young dad won't acknowledge his responsibility.

3. Another singer makes it into the international scene...

4. While a local singer drops out of the limelight due to a scandal.

I could go on and on and I am starting to get carried away... so I'll go back to the heart of my post.

Looking back at some of my older posts, I particularly found this interesting piece on how to make money in stocks. I don't want to blow my own horn so you can read it for yourself and give your comments.

I don't have any experience trading bonds so I would suggest you take up a mutual fund, or, buy retail treasury bonds issued by the Bureau of Treasury, or, buy corporate bonds. Perhaps I'll write something about bonds in the future. I actually have one published in a local digest. If you need copies, just email me at guerillainvesting@yahoo.com.

Until my next post next year (which is next week), HAPPY NEW YEAR!