Asian market preview 27/10/2008

US markets were closed lower yet again on Friday on belief that global recession is at hand. Markets fell after more grim corporate outlook came out on Friday. First it was Sony which triggered heavy selling in Japan, then automaker Daimler also reported grim outlook in Germany. These reports came following Microsoft's earlier report which issued a weaker-than-expected forecast for the coming quarter. All these bad corporate news added to the anxiety in the markets and sent panic all over investors' minds. Investors are convinced that the world economy is headed for a severe downturn even as governments raced to revive credit markets on the hope that a normal lending levels by banks will fan economic activities. However, some analysts believed that recent pullbacks were caused by forced selling attributed to margin calls and investors in hedge funds and mutual funds are cashing out. Technically markets worldwide are way oversold but bargain hunters who wanted to come in was kept at bay as selling pressure continues. The Dow ended down by 312.30 pts or 3.59% to 8,378.95 after falling more than 500 pts in early trade. S&P500 fell 31.34 pts or 3.45% to 876,77 while Nasdaq fell 51.88 pts or 3.23% to 1,552.03.

Asian markets may open lower again today following more corporate bad news and a fall in US markets. However, in a very oversold market, investors may finally find some bargain to buy stocks. The low oil prices may come in as a good boost as inflation pressure have eased a lot with energy prices came in at around $60ish per barrel. The prospects of more bad economic data to come out of the US may put further pressure on markets globally. Oil was recently traded around $64.80ish per barrel, gold traded around $737.70ish as gold is seen as a safe-haven in these troubled times. Nikkei futures was closed at 7550 in CME compared to the close of 7290 here on Friday.

Kospi may open slightly higher after plunging more than 10% on Friday. Investors may be encouraged a little bit as BoK called an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss what analysts believe to be another rate cut. If the rate cut does come, it may give a temporary boost to the stock markets but that boost may only be seen as an opportunity for investors to cash out as investors are still fearful of global market outlook. However, that being said, the Kospi was too oversold and it posted a record weekly decline last week. Kospi may find its resistance at 133ish and its support at 120ish today.

Hangseng may open slightly higher after a series of selling off in the market last week. Weak investors' sentiment have put Hangseng under pressure and weak economic outlook from major banks also contributed to the selloff. However, with possible further action from governments in China and Hong Kong, markets may see a temporary rebound as bargain hunters may start to come in and collect the cheap stocks. Hangseng may find its support at 12000 and its resistance at 13500ish today.