On the Run!

I'm in and out much of the next three days.  As such posting will be a bit tough until later in the week.  Definitely will not be posting tomorrow but will try to be back on Wednesday.  I will be back Thursday for sure.  Today I'm posting a few musings from things I've heard, thought about over the weekend.  

China:

Lot's of chatter that China has turned in recent weeks.  While the most recent data is ambiguous, Chinese stocks {as represented by the Chinese ETF FXI-Chart courtesy of FreeStockCharts.com} have been on the rise since September.  If GDP can grow over there and they can keep inflation etc.  in check then the Chinese market has the potential to do something good next year.  Chinese stocks are basically flat since the summer of 2009.  Chart is bumping up against a longer term downtrend line in the chart above and Chinese stocks are overbought right now, so they could take a break at some point.  That being said this {and foreign stocks in general in my opinion} has the potential to positively surprise next year.  Note:  We have been purchasers of Chinese ETFs in our more aggressive strategies and for personal accounts in the past several months.

US Economy:  Apparently I'm not the only person who thinks the economy has the potential to do better next year.  Business Insider says that Goldman Sachs is in my camp as well.

Fiscal Cliff:  More indicators that a deal will get done.  The President and Speaker meet.  Here's the Washington Post's take.  

Don't forget that market seasonality thing! Particularly in a year where so many professional investors and traders are really behind the 8-ball.  See this CNBC report where they note that so far this year global hedge funds are up on average about 2%.  

Back later in the week!