Tuesday, April 24, 2012

COE and stock market

COE prices and stock market prices both measure the bubble in the real economy.

Recently, COE prices for 1.6 L cars hit a new high at $90,000. Stock market volume yesterday hit a high of 5 billion and only $900 Million in value. (Usually, they are of similar figures like e.g. 5 billion in volume and $4.5 Billion in value). This implies that market is about to turn south soon in the COE market and stock market.

A recent time both COE prices and stock market prices both hit a low is in year 2009 February. COE prices for small car are about $5,000. Stock market high a new low too. At that time, stock market index was only 1,500 compared to today 2,900.

We shall check further if this theory is right.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A trip and analogy

A trip and analogy

A trip with my mother to the bank recently really proved a theory- An experience on a trip will tell you what your partners really are in character.

During this trip, my mother who is unsure of the route (unsure of her purpose in life), walk faster (loves to win) than me and is about 30-50m ahead of me (her ego is big). She does not ask me which way (does not take instructions) and I have to shout to her to tell her that it is another way, before she turned away. By walking alone in front me, she is focused on herself and neglect the group with her. During the trip, she offers her help to carry baby, and I rejected because it is very tiring for a 71-year old lady.

Upon reflections, I realized that my mum is unsure of her purpose in life and she does not take instruction from anyone. She must win and hate to lose. Her ego is so big that she focused on herself and forgot about her group with her. She does things herself and neglect the team. She loves to help others. I learnt that I m considerate because I spared a thought for my mum and reject her help not because she is unable to help but it is very tiring to carry a 10 kg baby over a long distance.

A clearer vision

The picture of what is coming in the next 2 years is getting clearer.

In the next 6 months, three key issues will force the central banks in Europe and USA to print more money to stimulate the economy.

1) Baby boomer generation folks in Europe and USA begin to withdraw their funds from their retirement accounts. However, as they spend prudently, the economy is not boosted.

2) Record youth unemployment rate which result in more social unrest.

3) To weaken their currency and strengthen their exports

This stokes inflation and worsen the economy. Large companies face collapse and funds will leave USA and Europe for safe heaven in Asia. US$ to S$ weaken to 1:1

To arrest inflation and USA and Europe hike interest rate. This stemmed the outflow of funds to Asia. US$ to S$ rise 1: 1.6. Asia increase rate but not as high as USA.

The rise in interest rate in US and Asia, caused massive deleveraging. Companies and government downsized to cope with the reduction in demand. Many Jobs were restructured and lost. Many homes, cars, investments were force sold as consumers could not afford to pay the monthly installments. 5 years passed and things got better. Stock and property market rebounded.

The strongest of the US banks and Europe banks survived the financial crisis and thousands of weakest banks closed.