Six months of volatility leaves markets uncertain at half year end

By  Wednesday, 05 October 2011

Another half year has passed since 5 April 2011, and in that time the markets have done a 180 degree turn. When we last sent valuations out it seemed that recovery was on the way with the FTSE 100 having reached a new high of 6,106 since mid 2010. However, since late July 2011 the European debt situation and worries about global demand have left an shadow of uncertainly over the markets. The FTSE 100 closed today at 5102.17.

Despite the negative sentiment, some investors are seeing an opportunity to buy undervalued stocks of companies with solid fundamentals. Others have found stocks with new development so strong that they have bucked the trend and seen extraordinary gains in a short period of time.

Lately there has been much talk around two words, 'quantitative easing'. The Bank of England has indicated that it is likely to opt for this method of stimulation whereas the US certainly has not. Instead they have attempted to stimulate the economy using 'Operation Twist'. This was not well received by investors and it seems increasingly likely that the Federal Reserve may have to attempt another form of stimulation, possibly QE3. Combined with further hopes that Europe may resolve its debt crisis it looks like the outlook for stocks may be a little more positive as we head into the fourth quarter of 2011.

Martin Auger | Reyker Securities

Kelly Moorhouse

Kelly is part of Reyker's front office team. She has a background in journalism and is also a qualified securities dealer. Along with enhancing her dealing knowledge, she is currently developing her professional education.