Year 2008 has been an action packed one in all respects. It started off with stock market correction in mid January, later it turned out to be a bear market and eroded Billons of dollars of investor money.
By then sleeping giant was awaken, the sub prime. It had cascading effect all walks of the economy only in US nut all across the world. Then came the big investment bank failures. Fed has to Bail out leading mortgage lenders of the country Fannie Me, Freddie Mac. But, worst was yet to come, Lemon Brothers, a hundred year old investment bank went bankrupt.

It was the situation with Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley as well. Goldman Sachs was also taken a beating but was slightly better off. Merrill Lynch was acquired by Bank of America. Wachovia acquired by Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual (WaMu ) acquired by JP Morgan. Both Goldman and Morgan were converted to conventional banks. Meanwhile, Warren Buffet, greatest investor that the world has seen also showed confidence in Goldman.

On the other side Worlds largest insurance company AIG (American Insurance Group), has become the victim of sub prime. Stock price was as low as to $1. To life the ailing economy and overcome the sub prime problem US government came up with $700 Billon package. Later it found that it was short by couple of hundreds of Billon dollars. So second bail out package followed soon. Fed was cutting rate to give stimulus to ailing economy.

Mean while across the world there was severe liquidity problem. Credit Tsunami had hit the world and whole world was in shock. Central banks had to cut interest rate to inject liquidity. There was a fear of global recession all central Governments and banks were trying their best to hold situation under control. Central Governments of Germany, France, UK, Switzerland, were coming out with bailout/stimulus package to save the economy. Some of the biggest name like UBS, Credit Suisse, Barclays, HSBC all have become victims of sub prime and credit crunch. Meanwhile, surprisingly China was out with $560 Billion stimulus package to economy. Stock markets were falling day after day.

Metal prices was cooling off, Crude oil price was coming down on the fears of slow down in the global economy and hence the lower consumption. All these lead to lower inflation. With US interest rates going near zero, Deflation worries were looming large.

Stepping into New Year worldwide consumer confidence is multi decade low, Job less claims are at 26 years high, fear of deflation.

What lies ahead in 2009? Hope. Hope of recovery, Hope of job Security, Hope of Peace, Hope of Good life.

New Year is the time to unfold new horizons & realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength & faith within, to rejoice in simple pleasures & gear up for new challenges. Wish all our readers a very happy new year. Wishing you a truly fulfilling 2009. Let year 2009 be filled with Joy, Happiness, Prosperity, Safety & Security.

Have a great New Year ahead & happy investing. Thank you for all your Co-operation and Support.