I have put together a table of global stock markets’ performance over various measurement periods. The numbers speak for themselves and can best be summarized in a single sentence: "Nowhere to hide."

A shrinking economy bodes ill for corporate earnings and current indications are that the S&P 500 Index’s earnings could be down by as much as 30% to 40% in year-ago terms by the end of Q2 2008.

Global stock markets have experienced a relatively strong recovery since the middle of March. Although markets in general are still well below previous highs, it makes for interesting reading to reflect on the extent of the correction and subsequent rally, and to review how valuation levels have been impacted.

“The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May,” said Edwin Way Teal. And so it seemed during the past week as we witnessed a further improvement in investor sentiment and risk appetite, supported by the viewpoint that the worst of the credit crisis might be behind us.

Besides "buy low and sell high" few other axioms are more widely propagated than "sell in May and go away". This blog post investigates whether this axiom actually has any scientific basis at all.

Enjoy the read.

It has become a national pastime to try to figure out where in the stock market cycle we are. This blog post tries a new approach, relying on readers’ collective wisdom by asking them to express their opinion on the direction of the stock market through participating in a quick poll.

Please follow the link to cast your vote.

Based on a multi-year comparison of the price-earnings (PE) ratios of the S&P 500 Index and the forward real returns, investors should be aware of the fact that the stock market is by historical standards not in cheap territory, arguing for luke-warm long-term returns. As a matter of fact, there is a distinct possibility of some negative returns.