http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/http://mediaserver.fxstreet.com/images/fxstreet-provider-logo1-en.gif7http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2011-10-03.htmlWhile Greek default concerns may have been slightly eased by Germany ratifying the EFSF amendments, another proverbial spanner was thrown into the works by the Eurozone CPI estimate coming in 0.5% higher than expected. All eyes therefore will be on the ECB rate decision this week and the ECB's reaction to the latest developments. Bank of America speculated that the ECB may take the drastic action of a 50BPS cut, while analysts have noted comments from ECB's Nowtony who said that interest rateMon, 03 Oct 2011 07:20:57 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2011-10-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-08-09.htmlGiven that the recent macro economic data has confirmed that the pace of the recovery in the US is abating and the revival in the jobs market has shifted down a gear, there is a growing consensus that policy makers will have to introduce new measures to keep the recovery from stalling. As such, the attention this week will turn to the latest rate setting meeting from the Fed and whether the members feel that it is now appropriate time to commence on a fresh stimulus program. Easy does it InMon, 09 Aug 2010 08:06:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-08-09.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-08-02.htmlWe're on the road to ruin, but for now let’s just enjoy the summer rally Last week’s data confirmed that the pace of economic recovery in the US has slowed down and the attention will now turn to the matter of whether the slowdown in the H2 has already been priced by various asset classes. The latest data from China, which showed that Chinese manufacturing output grew at its slowest rate for 17 months, is also likely to prompt market participants to reassess the effect this will have on theMon, 02 Aug 2010 07:57:37 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-08-02.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-26.htmlA story of how Frau Merkel and Trichet tried to fool the markets After last week’ release of the EU stress tests which showed that 7 of 91 banks failed to meet the minimum criteria, markets will use this week as a chance to really scrutinise the results and contemplate whether to brand them as too lenient. The results showed that the 7 banks need to raise EUR 3.5bln, which is a drop in the ocean when compared to the amount that banks in the US were required to raise following the stress testsMon, 26 Jul 2010 09:04:45 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-19.htmlJP Mor(gain)…again… Macroeconomics will take a back seat this week and instead following last week’s somewhat mixed start to the earnings season, the attention will turn to earnings releases from some of the biggest banks and tech companies in the US. Last week saw Alcoa beat expectation and raise its aluminum demand guidance, while JP Morgan reported yet another quarter of strong profits despite some concerns over profitability given recent volatility in the markets. The same could not beMon, 19 Jul 2010 08:09:04 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-12.htmlAn unexpected turn for the better in investor sentiment last week meant that equities in both Europe and the US finished the week with rather impressive gains. The return of risk appetite was largely buoyed by the release of the methodology of the EU stress tests by the CEBS. However, given that there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the tests, leads to believe that this euphoric mood will be very short-lived. The key question on everyone’s mind is whether the tests were stressfulMon, 12 Jul 2010 08:40:31 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-05.htmlThe Great Moderation, not the Great Recession v2.0… A post recession recovery that follows a firm “V-shaped” path always looked like an overly optimistic scenario for the world economy, whereas a “bumpy” looking graph was seen as more probable outcome by the likes of Roubini and Krugman. As such, the sovereign crisis in Europe that emerged earlier this year, as well as the slow down in the Chinese economy exposed the fragility of the recovery and it seems “the Bears” will continue to rule theMon, 05 Jul 2010 07:27:19 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-07-05.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-28.htmlThe two key events that are due to take place this week will either reinforce the presumption that the recovery is no longer on track or instead will imply that the strength of the recovery is simply abating. Whatever the outcome is, the fact is that the sovereign crisis that has emerged in Europe has prompted the Fed to turn cautious and the major risk is that the troubles in Europe’s periphery will have a similar effect that the sub-prime crisis had on the broad banking system and economicMon, 28 Jun 2010 07:48:17 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-28.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-21.htmlThe all too familiar “macro” bears vs. “micro” bulls theme was at the forefront again last week and it remains uncertain which camp will prevail. The fact remains that the contagion effect from Eurozone is yet to hit Asia, but more importantly it hasn’t made its way across the pond to the US. The “macro” bears will argue that given tight relationships and global trade, it is inevitable that the sovereign crisis will have to spread to all parts of the world before investors can feel that theyMon, 21 Jun 2010 13:32:58 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-14.htmlRisk appetite made an unexpected come back last week, initially buoyed by strong Chinese data but also by well received debt sales from EU states that have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The latest set of data from China is both encouraging but also worrying. On one hand, almost 50% rise in exports and above estimate retail sales data suggests that the Chinese economy has so far withstood the recent debt crisis in Europe. On the other hand, the latest inflation reading whichMon, 14 Jun 2010 07:52:35 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-07.htmlSovereign fears continued to dominate the headlines last week; however this time new target has emerged on investors’ hit list in the form of Hungary. For those that thought Greek debt problems are insignificant to overall Eurozone stability, the Hungarian economy is around half the size of Greece and the country, despite being a member of the EU, is not part of the core EU bloc, which means that currency devaluation remains an option. Since it is all too clear that the EU/IMF bailout packageMon, 07 Jun 2010 08:03:53 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-01.htmlAusterity measures in Eurozone and BP's oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico dominated the headlines last week and in order to keep market participants busy over the long weekend Fitch decided that it is time to downgrade Spain's sovereign rating. This move certainly gives investors some food for thought since Spain has been very proactive in recent weeks to promote the market wide view that it is eager to return to fiscal sustainability. Obviously the passage of the austerity bill by the SpanishTue, 01 Jun 2010 08:15:36 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-06-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-24.htmlPrice (in)stability…who is the winner? Recent price action in global financial markets underscored the view that even though the Great Recession may be over, the healing process will not only take longer than initially thought, the chance of relapse is extremely high. The recession prompted aggressive action by central banks not only to cut interest rates but also devised an endless number of easing programs to restart frozen markets. However, once central banks on both sides of the pond ranMon, 24 May 2010 08:07:40 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-24.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-17.htmlAusterity measures - so, what’s all the hype about? Despite the controversy, the negotiated package by the ECB to purchase government bonds to save what looked like an inevitable disintegration of the Eurozone was greeted well by the market participants last week. As such, in spite of the fact that there is sense of secrecy about the program, it looks unlikely that a similar level of panic selling will make a come back in the near-future that was seen few weeks back. However, given theMon, 17 May 2010 08:06:26 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-17.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-10.v03.html**BREAKING NEWS** The EU finance ministers agreed a EUR 750bln package consisting of EUR 440bln in guarantees from Euroarea states, plus EUR 60bln in a European instrument. EU finance ministers said the IMF was expected to contribute EUR 250bln, taking the total to EUR 750bln. Also, IMF’s Strauss-Kahn said any IMF action would be on a country-by-country basis. ** The ECB said it will buy Eurozone government bonds to help support fractured markets, abandoning its resistance to full-scale assetMon, 10 May 2010 08:31:34 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-10.v03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-03.htmlThe collapse of Lehman Brothers and subsequent recession reminded market participants that all good things eventually come to an end. The sheer scale of the recession prompted central banks across the world to slash interest rates and devise programs to restore confidence in order to restart credit markets that literately froze overnight. The economic theories advocated by the likes of Keynes were largely seen as the only way to kick start the global economy which proved to be enough of aMon, 03 May 2010 07:39:22 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-05-03.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-26.htmlThe moment of truth for Europe… After months of failed attempts by the Greek government to convince financial markets that the austerity measures are credible and that the nation deserves the right to access the capital markets like any other nation in the EU, Greek PM Papandreou called on the aid mechanism to be activated late Friday. The nation will receive its first tranche of money from the IMF by May 19, thereby securing its near-term financing needs. However it remains unclear whetherMon, 26 Apr 2010 07:51:38 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-26.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-19.htmlNotice of eviction… Despite all the efforts by Greece to avoid seeking financial aid, it is looking increasingly likely that the debt laden country will in fact bow to market pressure and ask for the aid mechanism to be triggered. Still, there are a lot of unanswered questions regarding the provision of funds and given that there is no hard cash at hand waiting to be given to Greece, uncertainty as to when the money will be available will act as a drag on market confidence in the near-term.Mon, 19 Apr 2010 07:46:20 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-19.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-12.htmlGreece in wonderland… Euro zone finance ministers have approved a EUR 30bln aid mechanism for debt-plagued Greece, that’s together with at least EUR 10-15bln from the IMF in the first year which has resulted in narrowing of Greek/German 10y government bond yield spreads by around 50bps to 350bps. Despite further clarity on the bailout package, the Greek finance minister continues to stress that the government was not requesting any aid and is sticking to its US road show to complete plannedMon, 12 Apr 2010 08:20:57 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-12.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-06.htmlWell, it finally happened, job creation is back in the US. Nevertheless, pessimists will note that the latest NFP reading failed to miss the street estimates. However despite the fact that the likes of Krugman will be quick to point out the apparent failings, they will likely be ignored and instead the Bulls on Wall Street will prevail with some style this week. Still, job creation raises question which market participants are eager to find out more and that is should the Fed now choose toTue, 06 Apr 2010 08:30:53 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-04-06.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-29.htmlIt’s been a year since the “Green shoots” made its infamous appearance and ever since then the economic recovery across the world has only gathered more pace, albeit at different levels. Greed is back in fashion and the Great Recession is just a bad dream that everyone prefers to forget about. Still, the recession has reminded investors that all good things come to an end and as such there is now a tendency to look for reasons for the rally to falter. However any correction in equity marketsMon, 29 Mar 2010 08:00:58 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-29.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-22.htmlThis time last year, investors were flooding the market with cash, however a year later and anyone wishing for another euphoric Bull run to begin may be disappointed. Unlike last year, there is still a lot of uncertainty on both sides of the pond and events that should take place this week will likely mean that safe haven assets may be the preferred investment asset. Will they, or won’t they… In Europe, cash strapped Greece will be hoping that the EU will provide the country with monetaryMon, 22 Mar 2010 09:25:43 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-22.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-15.htmlSteady as she goes The upside trend in equity markets is likely to continue this week and the Bulls on Wall Street will be eager to see some sort of consolidation at fresh highs after failing to close above the key 1,150 mark in S&P 500 last Friday. The bullish sentiment will be helped in part by the Fed, who is expected to stick to its extended period statement, while in Europe fears of EU break up will be put aside, since EU seems to be on the verge of agreeing a bailout deal for Greece.Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:50:54 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-15.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-08.htmlGuess who's back, back again, Bulls are back, tell a friend... The week is likely to begin on a positive note and the fact that there is little economic data on tap this week probably means that the “bears” on the Wall Street will largely be ignored for the next 5 days. The bullish sentiment which evolved in the latter half of last week stemmed from news that Greece was finally able to open books for its bond issue, but more importantly the NFP report came in above market consensus. As such,Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:49:20 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-01.htmlOne-size doesn’t fit all… As weeks go by, it is becoming more evident that current EU’s “one size fits all” monetary policy simply doesn’t work. Whatever forces that held the community together in good times are disintegrating, at a rapid pace, and the fear of contagion effect is spreading from Greece to neighbouring countries. Still, this is not the reason to leave the bloc and debate an end to the EU experiment, but instead it gives the leading countries like Germany and France a reason toMon, 01 Mar 2010 09:31:24 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-03-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-22.htmlSpring 2009 déjà vu anyone? Cast your minds back to spring 2009, just before equities began the infamous “bull” like run, when uncertainty surrounding the recovery, or lack of it at the time, caused equity markets across the world to fall to unprecedented levels. A year since and some are debating whether markets are about to cross a similar looking juncture, but this time it is fears over piles of sovereign debt and concerns over monetary policy tightening which are causing investors to turnMon, 22 Feb 2010 09:37:42 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-22.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-15.htmlIs this the end of a fairytale for Greece and the Euro itself? Sovereign risk continued to dominate the headlines last week and after much deliberation, Germany and rest of the EU succumbed to market pressure and decided to help out its brother in need – Greece. However there is still a lot uncertainty, since it was not revealed how the bloc will save Greece, from what looks like an unavoidable default. The options that may be available to the EU include using the state-owned banks which couldMon, 15 Feb 2010 09:08:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-15.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-08.htmlEquity markets finished the week lower last week as the finance community continued to fret over implications of a possible sovereign default in Europe, with focus now not only on Greece, but Portugal and Spain as well. Economists love patterns and the pattern that many are beginning to see is one which is very similar that preceded default by Lehman Brothers. The yield spreads between Greek, Portuguese and Spanish bonds to German Bunds remained at elevated levels, while sovereign creditMon, 08 Feb 2010 09:05:48 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-08.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-01.htmlIts official, the “bears” are taking over – that’s the message one can construct after witnessing a rather disappointing start to the year for equity markets, which finished down on the month as concerns over fiscal and monetary tightening weighed on investor sentiment. However, despite the ongoing “banker bashing”, it was the telecom and the information technology sectors that finished as the worst performers in the S&P 500 index. Still, the recent dip in investor sentiment isn’t all dueMon, 01 Feb 2010 09:39:22 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-02-01.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-25.htmlLast week marked the beginning of a fierce war between Obama and the Wall Street after the President unexpectedly announced drastic measures to regulate banking system in the United States. All began after a critical vote was lost by the democrats in the state of Massachusetts, which as a result cast a shadow of a doubt over Obama’s health bill. The retaliation by the administration was brisk and the result in equity market across the world – devastating. It is fair to say that despite ratherMon, 25 Jan 2010 11:40:55 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-25.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-18.htmlBe afraid…be very afraid… The Bears will hail last week as a confirmation that despite all the measures taken by the central banks, governments and the draconian like action by companies to return to profit – consumers are yet to recover from worst post war recession. The latest earnings season got off to somewhat of a disappointing start after Alcoa missed street estimates. Later in the week saw Intel report solid numbers, however analysts pointed out that gross margins likely to have peakedMon, 18 Jan 2010 09:16:00 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-18.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-11.htmlThere was a strong sense of optimism surrounding last Friday’s jobs report, but as we all know it failed to deliver after the NFP came in below the street estimate. However, was it simply that investors got ahead of themselves yet again in thinking that job creation will happen so soon into 2010…likely so. The unemployment rate remained at 10% which was enough to spur on a rally following a brief, but nevertheless sharp sell off in equity markets. Still, a research note from Stifel NicolausMon, 11 Jan 2010 08:47:34 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-11.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-04.html2010…fundamentals make a come back 2009 has finally come to an end and what a year it was. Despite weak fundamentals and sky high unemployment rate that climbed steadily throughout the year, equity markets staged a mind blowing rally on hope of a strong recovery. The riskier assets also benefitted from ultra low interest rates both in the US and Europe. It was also the year that investors in the Western world learnt of QE after central banks on both sides of the pond decided to purchaseMon, 04 Jan 2010 08:05:46 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2010-01-04.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-12-21.htmlSanta unable to visit due to bad weather… After a nine month long rally, equities are finally out of steam and even Santa Claus was unable to encourage another round of buying. Maybe it was the cold weather that discouraged the window dressing and instead of a positive end to the year, markets are likely to end on a somewhat anxious note. But since when have gains of around 22% been a bad investment or is this just another case of greed taking over? Events this week… Despite the fact that someMon, 21 Dec 2009 08:41:23 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-12-21.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-12-14.htmlSanta Claus rally… Markets have been stuck in a sideways trade for some time now and this week is likely to see a lot of year-end buying that could mean that stocks finally break out of that range. So far the rally was held up by sovereign default fears, which stemmed from the Middle East after Dubai World said it was looking to restructure its debt. This prompted domino like action from the ratings agencies that were quick to remind investors of mountain sized debt across Europe. The likes ofMon, 14 Dec 2009 08:51:56 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-12-14.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-12-07.htmlStorm in a tea cup Acclaimed Yale University professor Robert Shiller once wrote that investors are said to be euphoric or frenzied during boom times or panic-stricken during market crashes. In both booms and crashes, investors are described as blindly following the heard like so many sheep, with no minds of their own. Typical herd behaviour was witnessed only recently when news that Dubai World plans to restructure its debt spread across markets like an epidemic and caused a brief sell off inMon, 07 Dec 2009 08:42:49 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-12-07.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-30.htmlThe future looks red… According to the Chinese horoscope, 2009 is the year of an Ox (Bull) and what a “bull” like run that markets have enjoyed this year. However, the year is coming to an end and it is time to reflect and assess individual performance during the past 11 months. The fact that there is a lot of money on the sidelines probably signals that only few saw their books print black, the likes of Goldman Sachs is one such example. The bank’s chief recently claimed that bankers do God’sMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:45:33 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-30.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-23.htmlWe must learn to walk before we can run Never before equity markets gained so much so fast and despite occasional bumps along the way, stocks continue to edge higher. Still, some sort of rational thinking returned to the markets last week after disappointing economic data releases prompted investors to re-think their rosy outlook. As such equity markets finished the week lower but the downward momentum is unlikely to continue this week. This week is likely to be characterised by thin volumesMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:20:30 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-23.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-16.htmlDespite lacklustre economic data, the rally in stocks continued last week as investors piled on the sideline money back into the markets, which as a result prompted somewhat irrational market behaviour. Still, an overwhelming impression is that markets are now overpriced and are due for a healthy correction. However a combination of light volumes and new money from money managers who have missed out on the rally is likely to drive this asset class higher for some time. This week there areMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:18:18 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-16.htmlhttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-09.htmlAre green shoots about to turn brown? It is universally acknowledged that the recession is over and that a recovery has began. Even though many remain bullish, the debate whether the fundamentals actually support the staggering recovery of equity markets seems to be on the mind of many economists. Still, a growing number of analysts are calling for over 4% US GDP growth in 2010. However, given excessive doses of medication the economy has received raises questions concerning the sustainabilityMon, 09 Nov 2009 09:25:41 GMThttp://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/info@ransquawk.com (RANsquawk)http://www.fxstreet.com/fundamental/analysis-reports/week-in-focus/2009-11-09.html