Global Stocks on Brink of Bear Market as Oil Slides; Ruble Drops

[marmar]

(Bloomberg) Turmoil returned to global markets as oil plunged and European stocks sank to the lowest levels in 13 months, fueling a rush into haven assets.

Earnings exacerbated the rout, sending MSCI Inc.’s gauge of global equities to the brink of a bear market. Russia’s ruble and Mexico’s peso fell to records, while bets mounted on an end to Hong Kong’s dollar peg. Yields on 10-year Treasuries dropped below 2 percent and the yen jumped to a one-year high.

“It’s back to oil and that’s what is driving everything,” said Barra Sheridan, a rates trader at Bank of Montreal in London. “We can easily run more because it’s pure fear. I don’t know what we need to change this sentiment.” .............(more)

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-19/asian-stock-outlook-mixed-after-u-s-equities-dip-to-august-lows

[Rybak187]

1. Dow futures are down over 300 points as well

[Art_from_Ark]

2. The Japanese Nikkei Average took a big hit today

Down more than 600 yen, or 3.71%

https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=%E6%97%A5%E7%B5%8C+%E5%B9%B3%E5%9D%87%E6%A0%AA%E4%BE%A1&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=t4KfVryDGYyk0ATQmq_YBg

[RussBLib]

3. the "brink" of a bear market?

We are there. Another 300pt drop today? Geez. It is excruciating to see our savings just drip, drip, dripping away.

[whatthehey]

4. They only drip away if you sell

A 401k balance is just numbers. No money is lost unless you sell. Keep putting money in in down markets. Heck increase your contrbution if you can afford it. Every dollar invested in bear markets buys more shares than in good times. DCA is your long term friend.

[RussBLib]

5. I know that intellectually, but

it still hurts to watch it.

And wouldn't you know, my wife and I have been planning retirement, and I may HAVE to close out my positions if I leave the job.