Looking to 2009 after 2008: Fear but Much Promise
Jonathan O'Shaughnessy (December 23rd, 2008) Writes:
As one of the most shocking and dismal economic years of our time comes to a close, it deserves a moment to take a look at the vast shifts which have transpired. Major banking giants which have fallen, stock markets have plummeted, and a whole host of issues have reared their head for the coming year. Yet, as we look ahead there are quite a few points of optimism. There are strong buying opportunities, and a sense of worldwide cooperation – both for investors, and for international leaders – which is arguably unique to this crisis, and will undoubtedly shape the next wave of future international financial decisions for the coming generation.
First, a quick, partial summary of international stock markets for the last year:
Developed:
US -42.32% UK -34.31% Germany -42.15% France -44.28% Italy -48.91% Belgium -54.96% Spain -40.69% Scandanavia -51.09% Netherlands -52.63% Russia -65.72%
Emerging:
...Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Delaware, Developed Markets, Ecuador, Emerging Markets, emerginvest, France, Frontier Markets, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, israel, Italy, Korea, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, New Year's Day, Panama, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia


![[Most Recent Quotes from www.kitco.com]](http://www.kitconet.com/charts/metals/gold/t24_au_en_usoz_2.gif)
![[Most Recent Quotes from www.kitco.com]](http://www.kitconet.com/charts/metals/silver/t24_ag_en_usoz_2.gif)


