Global Market Sell Off

Even while US markets are closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day, global equity markets are experiencing their worst sell-off since 9/11.  While most sell-offs of this magnitude typically can be traced to a single catalyst, today's declines do not seem to be based on any specific news event that was not already known in the markets last week.  Instead, the declines appear to be rooted in a loss of confidence on the part of global investors over the current handling of the credit crisis. 

With today's declines, the benchmark equity indices of several countries are now in 'official' bear markets.  Based on the current levels of S&P 500 futures (which are likely to change between now and Tuesday morning), the S&P 500 is likely to open tomorrow 19% below its intraday high reached October 11th.  Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has repeatedly told the public that the Fed was ready to take "substantive additional action as needed to support growth and to provide adequate insurance against downside risks".  Fortunately for us, Bernanke has done extensive scholarly research on preventing stock market crashes and depressions.  Unfortunately for us, he has yet to put that research to use.  It's very ironic that saying they're "ready to act" has caused a lack of confidence and now forced them to act.  Last week's declines of 5% are likely to be matched in one day's worth of trading tomorrow, so the question remains -- what are they waiting for?  Do the headlines above and the numbers below call for a need to act?  If not now, when Mr. Bernanke?

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Comments

[asd]

Furtune Magazine editor calls for holding the rates at 4,25%. I personally agree with him:)

"So what is the right course for the Fed? Bernanke should hold the Fed funds rate exactly where it is now, at 4.25%."

http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/18/news/economy/cure.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008012107

[Ellen]

One hopes Benanke and the Fed act tomorrow and get off the fence.

It is all very well to say that the Fed should hold the course, but as I write Hong Kong is down another 6% after yesterday's 5%.

Of course, we've all heard about steadfast and tough capitalism, but what happens if the loss of confidence continues...... at what point is perhaps 'Steady as she goes Benanke' a foolish course.

Methinks, Benanke like so many academics, suffers from analysis paralysis (as BIG's featuring of the RBC ad so aptly illustrates.)