Trading Blogs

Measured by the market capitalisation, Australia Securities Exchange (ASX) is now considered as one of the top 10 listed exchange groups in the world. As one of the world’s top 10 listed exchange groups, measured by its market capitalisation, ASX group was created through the merger of the Australian Stock Exchange and the Sydney Futures Exchange. ASX group operates under the brand, Australian Securities Exchange. Operating with Australia’s primary national stock exchange, Australia Security Exchange (ASX) deals mainly with the derivatives, fixed interest and equities securities.

I’ve read the preface, Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 and I’m thinking the plot of this book is very much like the movie with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd: “Trading Places” (it also features the young Jamie Lee Curtis). Trading Places is a movie from the early 1980's (1983 to be exact) and revolves around a bet, social status, the question of nature vs. nature and trading the commodities market. The movie's plot is as follows:

I visited the Property and Investment expo (+ Franchising) at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre last weekend. It was a rather sad affair for the “share trading” portion of their show, but it was boom time for franchises and property. Going there, you wouldn’t even suspect that there is a global meltdown from the subprime mortgage fiasco. Many property managers and developers were on show as well as plenty of mum and dad franchises like vending machines, small luxury food chains as well as other luxury services. But I was there for the advertised “share trading” section.

Here is an article about a gambling addict who lost $30 million and is suing the casino for it. Imagine if you, the trader, can sue the house – the stockmarket for any huge losses. There'd be no markets since losers would continually sue the markets. Trading may be gambling but any losses incurred are totally your responsibility.

Here's commentary by market analysts Macquarie Research Equities about the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia) and Interest Rates. They talk about the current issues about the Australian interest rates and monetary policy. There may be a possible interest rate rise next month.

RBA – The Interest Rate Factor

Macquarie Research released some thoughts to ponder about the US economy and its effects on the global equity markets and the Australian sharemarket.

What does the US Economy hold for the Market?

Have you noticed a the current trend with interest rates? US interest rates are tumbling fast, while the Australian interest rates have been inching up. How can you profit from this trend? Below is a prospective strategy using currency warrants from Macquarie Research:

According to a TRACE (Threat Research and Content Engineering) Report released last December, stock spam is on the decline.

Stock ‘pump n dump’ spam declined to an almost insignificant 1% of spam after its peak of nearly 50% in February 2007.

Take this as a lesson of being wary of what you read: the accuracy of the facts. I was reading an old investing article on news.com.au about the top 20 stocks on the Australian Sharemarket are a "rock solid investment". Something caught my eye:

HOW would you like a blue chip investment, with minimal risk, that could have some worrying moments but stands the test of time?

I caught a discussion on TV the on Tuesday on the Midday report on the ABC about possible stock picks considering the current global and local economic situation. The expert (sorry didn't catch his name or which firm he was from) said its time to go safe and invest in "defensive stocks" (keyword = invest!)

The newsreader asked him what was his stock picks and here they are - defensive stocks for uncertain times:

• Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) - because the exchange has a monopoly