Nikkei 225 pre-trading about 4% down.

Loughton_Monkey

About an hour before Tokyo opens, Nikkei is pre-trading around the 9,838 mark. This compares to Friday's close of 10,254.

So "only" 4% down so far. But obviously cannot be sure if there'll be a bloodbath when proper trading starts.

For reference, one month 'high' is around 10,850. So we are getting towards 10% down on that.

B_Blank

Many investers say "You should buy when there is blood in the streets" .

Loughton_Monkey

B_Blank wrote: »

Many investers say "You should buy when there is blood in the streets" .

Sad, but true. A lot of water as well.

Update: We are in 'live play' now and we're down to 9,640. So 6% damage so far, c.f. Friday.

ChiefGrasscutter

Those of us who have been around a bit can remember when it peaked at 30000 or so!

Old_Slaphead

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

Those of us who have been around a bit can remember when it peaked at 30000 or so!

Being pedantic - 38957 (I think)

bwlv1

So are you all throwing your money in now or waiting further drops?

TCA

benwolves wrote: »

So are you all throwing your money in now or waiting further drops?

And what's the opinion on the best way to invest for an inexperienced investor? Some sort of Nikkei tracker fund perhaps?

foxwales

Lowest point it hit 16% down, I've been buying and selling all night, made just over £1000, but I took a hit on Friday when the markets dipped so it's nice to claw back the losses.

Not sure what direction the markets will take today, Nikkei is around 8% down at the moment.

edinburgher

Does the Buffet adage about buying when others are fearful apply here?

While Japan has certainly had its problems over the last couple of decades, it must be incredibly disheartening for the leaders of the country to see what looked like the start of a minor economic recovery wiped out in the space of a few minutes. (This is absolutely a secondary concern compared to the horrific loss of life and devastation wrought by the earthquake and tsunami and my heart goes out to the Japanese people.)

Simply put, do you see fundamental strengths in the Japanese economy (3rd largest in the world, headquarters for some top multinationals), or do you think this is too big a blow for them to build back from in a reasonable timeframe?

Considering shifting some funds into Japanese equities, as the market would appear to be overcompensating for agreeably awful circumstances?

cogito

I've deliberately stayed out of the Japanese market for years but I must admit I'm very tempted right now. A fund with exposure to construction companies maybe.

edinburgher

A fund with exposure to construction companies maybe.

I initially felt a little guilty thinking about this topic (who wouldn't? we've all been watching the news), but they're going to have to rebuild and that will take investment. If that investment comes at a discount, it's probably a reasonable opportunity.