No matter what plan is put into place, it will still be sluggish for the consumer, going forward. In the online stock trading and trading options online world, nobody is sure of what results to expect near terrn.
The plan the various governments and central banks have constructed may work. It’s so uncharted that nobody, not even the seasoned stock broker, can possibly know for sure if full confidence will be restored.
No matter what happens, I think we can expect to see new regulations and restrictions on market activity, including, maybe, online stock trading.
With so much of the banking sector being, in effect, nationalized, the question will become how much, if any, in they way of tremendous profits can we expect?
New regulations and rules will lead to slower growth in the sector. And will those smaller banks that don’t have the Federal Government’s stamp of approval be good investments?
Insurance is also another area to take a good look at. Will all the rules be changed de facto by the government owning AIG? Will there be a “good for the goose” thing happening?
Once Congress gets its fingers into these big pies anything can happen.
For the ordinary investor sitting at home, the only advice that can be given is to not panic, take profits when sensible, and to invest smartly — meaning buying low and selling high and not following the crowds too far or too high.
Insurance and banking, to me, are questionable sectors now. I’m sure that those who know more about both will be able to see the forest through the trees and take some decisions that make sense, or find great buying opportunities.
For me, when the playing field is not level by government involvement, then it’s not best to put too much money into it. In fact, maybe only “mad money” should go into it. If I have any left, that is.
On the other hand, money may pour into those sectors with the knowledge that the government is the ultimate banker. Returns might be lower, but there will be returns.
I’ll watch the market over the next couple of days. I’ve set the stocks to track, so we shall see.
The world seems to be adapting a new standard in investing and finance. It’s so uncharted in scope.
Maybe in the next week or so, the dust will settle and we ordinary Joes out here will be able to determine a direction. We are all hoping that nail biting time is over.