Which way will the stock market go in the short term?
After a period of profit-taking and negative economic data we saw the UK stock market pullback in the first few weeks of 2010. However, over the last couple of days we have seen signs of renewed investor interest but what are the short-term prospects for the UK economy and the UK stock market?
It is worth repeating, as we have mentioned on numerous occasions, that many people believe the UK stock market " looks ahead" by around 8 to 9 months. Therefore the level of share prices, expected profitability and investor sentiment is, assuming the belief is true, based upon the economic situation 8 to 9 months from now. If this is the case then it has to be said that the UK economy may well be in line for a difficult few months.
Only last week we saw a number of high-profile share issues pulled at the last minute because of renewed investor concerns regarding not only the UK economy but the Eurozone and the worldwide economy. While some other companies have confirmed their plans to go ahead with fundraisings there is no doubt that investor appetite for new issues and fundraisings is not what it was towards the end of 2009. Maybe now is the time to have a chat with your financial advisor or your stockbroker and try to plan ahead for the future?
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