Maybe DOW 15,000 Isn't Ridiculous After All...
July 23, 2009
– Comments (4) |
RELATED TICKERS: STU
, PID
, GS
Some will argue that earnings have been fantastic with most companies beating estimates. However, earnings have been terrible. Beating weak estimates on cost cutting and asset sales doesn't show economic strength. Based on earnings, it looks like financials are in for a dismal Q3 and Q4...GS may be able to manipulate their way to a profit, but most financials are still hurting, and too many companies are reporting massive revenue declines.
So, some argue that the markets are forward looking...and I think everyone knows that. However, is there anything in the news that's pointing to any kind of recovery 6 months out? Unemployment is still looking terrible, with signs that layoffs could start to accelerate again heading into next year. Housing is still weak, and including bank's "shadow inventory", inventory is actually increasing even as sales pick up. There's no arguing that revenues for most companies have been terrible. Many companies will not be profitable without revenue growth going forward, as they've already made huge cuts...some with layoff costs that will affect Q3 and Q4 earnings as well.
So, I can only see two possible reasons for any strength in the market rally:
1. Market manipulation - If this is the case, how long can it be held up? I wouldn't be suprised to see new lows if this is the case...how high we go in the near term is anyone's guess.
2. Hyper-Inflation Expectations - Maybe the market is looking forward to hyperinflation in the near term. With still rising unemployment and weak demand, I don't expect inflation to be a huge issue in the near future, but I could be wrong.