When are the markets going to back to 'normal'?

almondsalty

Everyday, I switch on the news and the markets seem to be struck by a new round of really bad news just when things looked to be back on track for the markets.

For example, when things look to be resolved with Greece, Italy and Cyprus then become the concerns. And when some parts of Europe looked good like Germany, they start to slip and then concerns come from major markets in the US.

I'm trying to get my head around how long the markets will be 'down' for, some say by the end of the year all will be OK but I don't see much changing? How long before this all seems like a distant memory, 2015, 2020 or even longer?

opinions4u

Define "normal".

dunstonh

Everyday, I switch on the news and the markets seem to be struck by a new round of really bad news just when things looked to be back on track for the markets.

As is the way with stockmarkets.

I'm trying to get my head around how long the markets will be 'down' for, some say by the end of the year all will be OK but I don't see much changing? How long before this all seems like a distant memory, 2015, 2020 or even longer?

What you are seeing is normal. There is always good news or bad news. Sometimes you get longer periods of good news, sometimes bad. This is why you need to be careful not to micromanage it.

No-one can tell you when things will change. That's a crystal ball job.

almondsalty

I appreciate it's a crystal ball job, but my crystal ball is too cloudy atm!

Jegersmart

almondsalty wrote: »

I appreciate it's a crystal ball job, but my crystal ball is too cloudy atm!

technical analysis can help to decide whether a scenario is more likely or not. The FTSE one is quite interesting at the moment, as is the S&P. Check out the highs and lows over the past 6 months or so - and whether higher or lower highs or lower or higher lows have been printed. There are some anomalies but the trend at the moment is not up - although in a general sense the market is "ranging". IMHO, DYOR

le_loup

Jegersmart wrote: »

technical analysis can help to decide whether a scenario is more likely or not

So can voodoo!

Jegersmart

le_loup wrote: »

So can voodoo!

That's not a serious contribution imho. There is a reason why I reduced my equities exposure recently, and TA is a big part of that.

You can use voodoo if you like and it works for you.

westendguy

If you mean in terms of the markets going up, probably the week before christmas.

le_loup

Jegersmart wrote: »

That's not a serious contribution imho.

I suspect that your opinion is far from humble.
AND my contribution is as valid and as serious as yours.
I don't "believe" in charting any more than I do any other religion.

darkvader

Most people forget to realize that the past 2 years have been the best ever time to invest in a monthly fashion. Even now, given all the doubt and question marks on the state of affairs, an astute investor should quietly tuck away money in a few funds every single month

The market always has ups and downs - current down trend may last another year, 2 or even 5 years but as long as you religiously invest every month you will be immune and when the up trend begins all that you invested over the previous years move up really quick.

For those who can invest monthly for a few years, let's say 5 at the minimum, the current low in the markets is a God send as everything is re-evaluated and comes down to its right values and the situation becoming ripe for the next big boom!!!!

DV

jamesd

almondsalty wrote: »

When are the markets going to back to 'normal'?

This is normal.

Three sayings to remember that will help you to do well:

1. Markets climb a wall of worry. (what to expect when making money)
2. Buy when there's blood on the streets. (good buying time)
3. Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. (good buying and selling times)

almondsalty wrote: »

Everyday, I switch on the news and the markets seem to be struck by a new round of really bad news just when things looked to be back on track for the markets.

The time to worry and think about selling is when everyone is saying that the boom times can't end and that there's a wonderful new reason why markets can't ever drop too badly.

almondsalty wrote: »

How long before this all seems like a distant memory, 2015, 2020 or even longer?

The minor blip this week, soon. The events of 2008 and 2009 being great bear and bull periods will be remembered for a century or more. 2008 particularly. The Euro fuss may or may not be remembered for a century, depends what happens to the Euro zone.

Anyone who could tell you when the fuss will end with confidence and high accuracy could become very rich from exploiting the knowledge.