So, the past few months have been hectic, both for me and the people involved directly with the markets. The woes continue and the end seems to be far off at this point. Just today morning, i read this article on bloomberg on how the longest expansionary consumer spending run in the U.S is about to come to an end soon. Inflation, commodity prices (nevermind the recent slight cooling), housing depression and a decrease in payrolls, everything looks bleak.
I certainly agree with the contention though that this is an exciting time to be in the markets, especially in terms of the learning one gets in tough times. Everything is a lot easier when there is a lot of flow in the business and one is just swept away in the mass of work. Also, buying into a firm/job at the bottom of the trough is something one would ideally like to do.
Right now, the market is witnessing a tussle between contrasting business models. The diversified and well capitalized Citi and JPMorgan Chase vs the focussed shops like Lehman. It remains to be seen who weathers the storm better.
Ive tried to look for other bright spots, but they all seem to fizzle out faster than you can say “credit”. The high point for the world this summer seems to be “The Dark Knight“. Infact, Hollywood collections this year have shown an upward trend, proving that people are still flocking the theatres, recession or no recession.
Amongst other highlights, China showed the world what an opening ceremony should look like, truely spectacular (images).
