With our sharemarket down over 40% for the year, I'm going to take a look at the highs and lows of 2008 and what's in store for 2009.
The high for the year was unfortunately at the start and then it was all the way down for the Australian sharemarket.
The S&P ASX 200 index lost more than 40% in the year.
All sectors lost ground in 2008. The three worst performing sectors were:
Consumer discretionary was the biggest loser this year with shoppers battening down their hatches. This sector lost almost 60% in value.
Property stocks which were considered less volatile and a buffer in downturns due to their high yields most definitely lost that status this year. The high levels of gearing meant that the credit crunch decimated the sector.
The best performing sectors were:
But all three of these sectors lost more than 20% in value.
Most investors will be breathing a sigh of relief that this year is over. With 2009 looming it's a good time to evaluate what we are looking for from our investments and our risk tolerance.
Most people concentrate on how much money they can make rather than managing risk. But while returns are often out of our control, risk is something that we can to some extent control.
The three top tips for controlling risk are:
The good news is that the sharemarket is probably going to bounce back in 2009.
The bad news is that it's very difficult to pin-point the exact time that it is going to happen.
Generally the sharemarket tends to be a leading indicator for the economy by around six months. Technical analysis tools can help time your way back into the market. Try and look at both short-term and long-term indicators.
A bounce back in the market will probably be lead by the consumer discretionary and energy sectors. With the market sold down heavily in 2008, the large capitalisation stocks are looking good value.
If you don't want to take too much risk, choose from the top 50 or even the top 20 stocks.
Finally have a safe and blessed holiday session and all the best for the new year!
Happy trading!
Julia Lee Equities Analyst Bell Direct
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