Five triggers for a catastrophic market decline

Posted Aug 2nd 2007 10:50AM by Zac Bissonnette
Filed under: Indices, Market Matters

In case anyone is still feeling bullish, Paul Farrell of MarkeWatch has produced a list of 20 triggers that will end what he calls "the aging bull." Here are some of his suggestions for possible "tipping points" that will bring an abrupt end to all this fun. Here are some of the ones I think could be particularly catastrophic:

Trade imbalance
Real Estate markets problems
Skyrocketing Oil
Surging consumer debt
Issues of international credibility

Interestingly, I disagree strongly with his concern about "Washington politics in endless gridlock." Isn't that a good thing? If the best government is the least government, what could be better than a bunch of bureaucrats in Congress arguing and accomplishing nothing -- i.e. not spending our money?

Take a look at the list and let us know what you think the top concerns are.

Tags: bear market, BearMarket, bull market, BullMarket, MarketWatch

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-02-2007 @ 11:26PM

Tom Barlow said...

I thought it had something to do with skirt length.

8-04-2007 @ 7:19PM

gypsy said...

Whereas the oil companies have been making record profits over the last 7 or so quarters I suggest the following. Take 10% of those profits and invest it into new refining capacity. That will cause a drop in the at-the-pump price of fuel. Take an additional 10% of the profit and put it into a fund that will cover the shortages homeowners are suffering due to the predatory lending practices of the past few years and erase the increased comsumer debt that trickled down form the above. Next, have them invest another 10% in industry here at home so that we are not so reliant on imports. Lastly, the government will command 20% of the record profit to erase the national debt. Now none of this will ever happen due to the infighting of the oil friendly politicians in Washington, but it's nice to dream.