Daily FNArena News

US job losses will continue in the months ahead, says BTIG, but that shouldn’t stop US equities from moving higher.

Job ads declined by 9.7% in December to be a massive 30% below the level of one year ago and are now at recession levels.

2008 was a tough year and 2009 is not shaping up as being much better for the New Zealand economy.

There’s no use in hoping for a slow start to 2009 because next week is packed with big data from the US and Europe and some key reads in Australia.

According to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, one way investors can avoid further disappointment is by switching out of Lihir and into Newcrest.

Nouriel Roubini rightly deserves the title of modern day Dr Gloom and Doom. But above anything his predictions have been accurate so far. He has just released his predictions for 2009.

Economists are confident further rate cuts are coming after November building approvals came in far weaker than expected and Australia’s trade surplus narrowed significantly.

Steel prices collapsed in the last few months of 2008, but Westpac sees some positives for iron ore that could limit price falls to 30% or less this year.

While drilling activity is decling sharply, weaker economic data suggest lower demand for natural gas in the coming year.

Weekly musings by your editor. The Chinese year of the Ox will bring investors hope and disappointment, dangers and opportunities.