Reply to: Have we seen the bottom of the FTSE?

[BrilloPad]

Yes. They have nicked them. Thieving government gits.

That was my take on it. "protecting" the money seems unlikely as government more likely to lose it...

[ace00]

P.S. Have you read what Argentina have done today with regard to private pensions?

Yes. They have nicked them. Thieving government gits.

[TimberWolf]

P.S. Have you read what Argentina have done today with regard to private pensions?

[TimberWolf]

I am pleased to announce that 9th October will turn out to be the point that we hit the bottom of the market.

This is because my particularly unlucky pension fund was turned into cash on that date so that it could be transferred to another provider.

You can now expect to see huge gains between then and the date that the cash is received by the new provider. So fill your boots and I will let you know when the new provider receives the money because that is the date the gains will stop.

Pensions are probably worthless anyway, they just don't add up. Best way to secure a good pension is to move to a country less densely populated than here (which would be almost anywhere) while you are still young enough for them to let you in.

[Gonzo]

Is now (or probably Friday afternoon last week) the time to buy?

Thoughts from the congregation invited (and if Cybertory could keep from making his post a party political broadcast that would be most kind).

I am pleased to announce that 9th October will turn out to be the point that we hit the bottom of the market.

This is because my particularly unlucky pension fund was turned into cash on that date so that it could be transferred to another provider.

You can now expect to see huge gains between then and the date that the cash is received by the new provider. So fill your boots and I will let you know when the new provider receives the money because that is the date the gains will stop.

[gingerjedi]

... The Derivative Death Star.

"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force". - Gordon Brown

[Cyberman]

Inflation above 5%, unemployent rising, house prices in free fall, inter bank lending still expensive, effects of the impending recession yet to be really felt.

Can't be good for confidence that.

That's not fair!! Gordon's doing a great job.

[AlfredJPruffock]

Like it. Better in a huge font though. I say buy or possibly sell or drink heavily on prescribed medication.

Why thanks Ace.

Derivative Death Star.

Coming to a screen near you ...

I was thinking it could be a great title for a Hollywood Movie.

Altough the way things are going in the US - perhaps a BollyWood blockbuster.

[DiscoStu]

I believe we find out on October 23rd?

Better start planning a little spread bet

[BrilloPad]

CDS unwinds for UK banks - depending on the wording of the contract.

UBS had $220Billion of Lehmans contracts, Christ only knows how much the whole shebang is worth.

I believe we find out on October 23rd?

[ace00]

... The Derivative Death Star.

Like it. Better in a huge font though. I say buy or possibly sell or drink heavily on prescribed medication.

[Bagpuss]

We aren't even in recession yet. The service industry will be hit hard as people cut back on the luxuries. A further dip yet when we are confirmed to be in a technical recession.

[gingerjedi]

Inflation above 5%, unemployent rising, house prices in free fall, inter bank lending still expensive, effects of the impending recession yet to be really felt.

Can't be good for confidence that.

I know the news reports all these things but I don't know anyone who's lost their job, avarage house prices have dropped little more than 10% and I still get credit offers through the door daily.

Chin up.

[swamp]

That being...?

When we have large numbers of forced house sales.

[AlfredJPruffock]

if this derivative unwind is really worth $300 trillion then time to head for the hills and live in a cave.

The figure of $300 trillion can only be described as scaremongering.

The actual figure is $516 Trillion dollars.


Derivatives grew into a massive bubble, from about $100 trillion to $516 trillion by 2007.

The new derivatives bubble was fueled by five key economic and political trends:

1 Sarbanes-Oxley increased corporate disclosures and government oversight

2 Federal Reserve's cheap money policies created the subprime-housing boom

3 War budgets burdened the U.S. Treasury and future entitlements programs

4 Trade deficits with China and others destroyed the value of the U.S. dollar

5 Oil and commodity rich nations demanding equity payments rather than debt