Is There Any Chance For QE3?
The stock markets been on a nice run lately. Volatility is way down and investor confidence is on the rise. However, the relatively tame market is masking some significant, fundamental shifts at the macro level.
As always, much of the most important economic news stems from the Fed. And just this week, Bernanke and the FOMC sparked a substantial drop in market volatility with their economic commentary.
In a nutshell, the Fed grudgingly admitted that the economy is improving. I say grudgingly because they were quick to point out that unemployment is still elevated and significant downside risks remain.
Yet, theres no denying the good news.
The job market is clearly improving. Inflation is subdued. And, just recently, we learned retail sales climbed the most in five months.
And thats not all
The financial markets are starting to truly believe the economic improvement is for real.
Long-term interest rates are slowly climbing, for the first time in months. Several stocks are reaching new 52-week highs. And of course, the price of gold is dropping.
Keep in mind, gold is seen as a hedge against economic uncertainty. If investors are selling their gold to buy stocks, then theyre reversing a trend thats been in place for quite some time.
So whats this mean for the prospects of QE3? Is further quantitative easing off the table?
Not just yet. Heres why
For one, Bernanke himself is keeping additional quantitative easing as an option for the time being. Otherwise, the Fed wouldnt have been so quick to remind us that theres still risk of a downturn.
More importantly, there are still significant macro events which have the potential to derail economic growth.
The European debt crisis has abated somewhat, but its far from resolved. And dont forget Iran and the price of oil. Elevated oil prices could pose a headwind to growth.
Bottom line, Im not yet ready to write off QE3 just yet.
Heres the thing
QE3 or not, penny stock investors are in good shape.
You see, the QE programs have been very good for stocks including penny stocks. If QE3 gets implemented, it would be equally as beneficial.
On the other hand, if QE3 is off the table, it means the economy is improving. Clearly, economic improvement is a strong positive for penny stocks and most every other type of equity.
Basically, were looking at a win-win scenario for penny stock investors for the foreseeable future. As such, dont be afraid to add solid penny stock companies to your portfolio.
Yours in profit,
Gordon Lewis
Category: Investing in Penny Stocks
