About

Ahead of the Curve provides analysis and insight into today's global financial markets. The latest news and views from global stock, bond, commodity, and FOREX markets are discussed. Rajveer Rawlin is a PhD and received his MBA in finance from the Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales, UK. He is an avid market watcher, having followed capital markets in the US and India since 1993. His research interests include capital markets, banking, investment analysis, and portfolio management, and he has over 20 years of experience in the above areas, covering the US and Indian markets. He has several publications in the above areas. He currently teaches business and management students at CHRIST University. The views expressed here are his own and should not be construed as advice to buy or sell securities.

Showing posts with label investor sentiment. Show all posts

Friday, 23 March 2018

Stock Market Panic Just Beginning?

Markets have been taking a turn for the worse on fears of a global trade war. A look at the Fear and Greed Index computed by CNNMoney shows that investor sentiment is hitting record lows:

However the Vix is yet to take out the February highs and suggests that there is no major panic yet:

Also the NYSE McClellan Summation Index (courtesy stockcharts) has just begun breaking down again following the recent rally and has more room to fall suggesting more selling ahead:

Taken together we probably are headed for more selling and panic that should take us a lot lower to the major break out zone of the S and P 500 near 2400 first before any relief rallies occur.

My Asset Allocation Strategy (Indian Market)

Cash - 40%
Bonds - 20%
Fixed deposit - 20%
Gold - 5%
Stocks - 10% ( Majority of this in dividend funds)
Other Asset Classes - 5%

My belief is that stocks are relatively overvalued compared to bonds and attractive buying opportunities can come along after 1-2 years. In a deflationary scenario no asset class does well other than U.S bonds, the U.S dollar and the Japanese yen, so better to be safe than sorry with high quality government bonds and fixed deposits. Cash is the king always. Of course this varies with the person's age.