It remains clear--even to the most casual observer--that more action must be taken to repair the so-called Anglo-Saxon financial system. The consequences of the current turmoil will be long lasting, particularly the loss of confidence in the system’s purported invincibility and superiority. Read More

We’re still far off recent highs, and plenty of risk remains, but the Asian rally is still running strong. Read More

The Asian rally is under way. It started from depressed levels, particularly in comparison to other regions of the world. Furthermore, the current oil price weakness--if sustained--will act as a positive catalyst for Asian economies that are net oil importers. Read More

The US dollar is still the world’s most widely traded currency, but its aura, based on its reputation as a store of value, is fading. Read More

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2008 is a year of danger. And although superstition isn’t good company for an investor, last year was quite rewarding, just as the Chinese Zodiac forecast. Nevertheless, caution is warranted. Read More

The Silk Long-Term Holdings Portfolio continues to outperform overall, even though many of our individual picks were hit substantially this year. But I anticipated a year of consolidation for the markets Silk covers. Therefore, I recommended a relatively conservative approach. Read More

Investors are starting to panic. But if this market deterioration accelerates, the opportunity to buy into Asia will be comparable to that of 2001. Back then, I recommended Asian stocks to only a handful of investors who cared to listen. Luckily, the recommendation played out quite well, and I’m expecting the same outcome this time around. Read More

Oil prices are the main topic of discussion among market participants around the world. As food prices pulled back--the Reuters/Jefferies CRB Non-Energy Index dropped 11 percent off its recent highs--investors started worrying about oil’s impact on economic growth. Non-investors have also joined the discussion because elevated oil prices have curbed consumer spending elsewhere. Read More

During these volatile times, it’s difficult to find bullish investors. The majority of institutional investors are either short or have disproportionate allocations to cash, and retail investor sentiment remains bearish. But it’s not just a US phenomenon; negativity has spilled over into Europe and Asia as well. Read More

The Hong Kong market is down 12 percent so far this year because the market’s depth has served as a venting mechanism for global investors to capitalize on overall downbeat sentiment. But, despite its sour performance of late, now’s the time to buy into this underappreciated market and take advantage of discounted prices. Read More