Lock, Stock, and a Boring Bank

My stock portfolio has been taking a rather thorough beating the past few days courtesy of the credit crunch in the US. ‘If it’s only happening in the US, then why the hell is it affecting our stock exchange?’, you might ask. I’m not very knowledgeable with the technical details, I just know that there is a ripple effect with these financial matters, that whatever happens in the center of the universe soon affects all those even remotely connected to it. Some folks have the distinct impression that what happens in Wall Street will soon happen in these shores or something to that effect and then proceed to act accordingly. It’s not entirely remote given that some of our fiscal policies are closely linked with the US. Ok enough with the mumbo jumbo that even I don’t understand.

Actually the losses I’m talking about are only paper losses. I’m really not losing actual money unless I decide to sell those stocks at the current price, which is lower than my acquisition cost. Even with the recent turn of events, it is still a good time to get into the stock market- better even -given that prices have somewhat skydived and any investor would make a killing in the next couple of days should he start buying these bargain-priced stocks.

After my rather extended stint in business school, my corporate finance teacher had all but wiped out my confidence in our local stock market, i.e.its full of holes, too much insider info, the efficient market hypothesis doesn’t apply, blah blah blah. It also did not help that at that time Atok Big Wedge was making all these splashes with Erap and all those others who allegedly made piles off that stock. Atok was then the hottest item in the stock market. When the stock reached astronomical heights with it’s stock price multiplying twenty-fold in record time, regulators began sniffing in. A lot of very public figures made a killing apparently and it was all over the news with some of these public figures being asked to explain the circumstances as to how they got hold of the shares. Anyway that was the major stock turn-off then.

These days however, I think a lot of wealth has been created. Even with the recent battering the market has taken, this year is still a record year. I think the stock market is the place to be. For the risk averse, the blue chip companies are there, and for those who can do with a little excitement, mining stocks are guaranteed to keep your booties shaking; you could lose a little but by gosh when it hits, it hits you good.

No this is not a pay-per-post. Some things are just meant to be shared.

Often folks have the misconception that dabbling with the stock market is only for the select few. I have to agree. It’s only for those who are not afraid to ask questions. It also does not cost an arm and a leg. Check out this site to see how much you need to get started and own a piece of that Ayala Corp, or San Miguel, or SM.

And no, I don’t work for that company either. I just hate banks. Keeping your money in that moldy institution is so lame. And what do you get out of it? 2% per annum on a savings account? 9% per annum on a time deposit? Factor in the annual inflation rate, not to mention the final withholding tax, and it’s quite possible that you’re actually losing money. Too ridiculous I think. On a good week especially after a sympathy related slump (like what’s happening now), you can get those rates in the stock market in just a couple of days.

Add a little zest into your boring life. Do the stock market.

Note: As in most things, practice makes perfect. Before taking a dive, check out if there’s water in the pool. Start small, and only invest money that you can afford to lose; although at the rate things are going, you have to be a complete fool to lose money.