Thursday, January 15, 2009

Biggest Slowdown Since 1929

(My Original Blog Post: http://www.wealthyways4you.com/work-from-home/biggest-slowdown-since-1929)
by Don Bethune


Partially because of the rapid growth in telecommunications and Information Technology we have seen growth parameters including the GDP rising continuously during the 1990's any beyond. While economic indicators are naturally cyclical, the recent sharp declines on the global scale have far exceeded the expectations of economic experts analysts. In Asia as well as Europe and the USA these declines have been the steepest since 1929.

The somewhat grim financial situation we now find ourselves in indicates a strong need to redefine existing economic and financial models. It is too early to tell when or whether financial rescue packages recently put in place will turn the economies of the USA, Europe and Asia around. Initially these bailout packages have done little to stop the slide in stock indexes.

It seems strange that the collapse of several major financial institutions such as Lehman Brothers came as such a surprise. Hindsite shows that there were plenty of danger signals which if heeded may have prevented this major problem. The business model of Lehman Brothers, their lending practices, and their operating practices, if attended to and revised at an earlier time may have saved the company and kept employees and shareholders holding a bag containing precious little.

The question has to be asked as to what if anything financial institutions have learned from this experience. Will they accept the bailout packages and continue with business as usual or will they use this financial assistance to buy time enough to redefine and retool their business models? This would seem imperative if we are to experience solid and sustainable economic growth once again.

Ironically at the present juncture economies like China and US who always stand Back to Back have without joining their had are trying their level best to save their economy which in turn, though un-intentional is helping other countries to recover from the same.

Financial rescue packages will not necessarily help the investor in the short term except perhaps to put a brake on the losses. Assuming it will take some time for financlial institutions and other affected organizations to get their houses in order, the investor must review his or her own investment strategies in hopes of regaining a pattern of sustainable growth.

Instead of finding out all these hook and crook at the time of turmoil political leaders of prosperous and responsible nations should sit together to decide strategies, which can prevent such collapses in future. IF incase these solutions doesn't crop up from them then small investors should be careful while making any decision in putting their money in.

A common man when reads an article on crisis in share indexes doesn't understand or even bothers to think how this effects his life. However the same person when unfortunately gets laid off from his organization accounting slow down as reason blames his luck. Awareness among common people about ups and downs of stock graph would help them to improve their life style.

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