Simit Patel

Economic Forecast and Best ETF Picks for 2009

Regarding my track record, my trading statement and my picks for ETFs are two different things. I was up over 20% in 2008 and over 30% in 2007. I stick to trading currencies and metals. I encourage those who may be interested in evaluating the validity, or lack thereof, of my analysis to read my other articles, and to see my trading journal at www.informedtrades.com where I keep a log of all my trades.

Are We at the Bottom Yet?

I have to agree with the aforementioned comments. Also, it is worth noting that fundamentally, nothing has changed. If anything, I'd argue the problem is just beginning; the US government cannot afford the bailouts, which means that it is going to fund these enormous bailouts by printing more money via the Federal Reserve. This will result in dollar devaluation, aka inflation, which is going to further fuel a decline in many financial markets as well as putting pressure on consumers who are already being overstretched.

The dollar devaluation is, in my opinion, the real story here, and is at the heart of the economic issues. That issue remains critical and is intensifying if anything. I would expect the issue to remain for at least a few more years, aside from momentary strengthening like what we are seeing now.