Asia Confidential's blog

With euphoria returning to equity markets, it's worth remembering that stocks are unlikely to make you really rich. We have some ideas what might though.

The secret is the world is more indebted now than it was at the height of the financial bubble in 2007. And big changes are needed to avoid further trouble.

The internet is on the verge of transforming manufacturing and China's dominance in this industry will soon be under serious threat.

Increasing concerns over deflation will limit any QE tapering in the second-half and set the stage for bonds to outperform stocks once again. 

History shows that buying assets down 60% or more has usually delivered fantastic results. On this basis, gold miners, coffee, Vietnam and the Indian Rupee may be tomorrow's winners.

Both the U.S. and China are now attempting to deflate asset bubbles. The former is likely to have second thoughts while the latter isn't.

The answer is no as higher rates on developed world debt would crush their economies. And it would hurt less indebted emerging markets too.

Emerging markets have tanked but some of the reasons for their underperformance will prove overblown, providing opportunities for long-term investors.

The wild ride in Japan's bond market is a prelude to what will happen in other developed markets.

The influence of central banks on markets seems to have reached unparalleled heights. We look at why, turning to behavioural finance for some clues.

The idea that a weak yen is positive for countries outside Japan is gaining traction. This is preposterous and we'll see why as currency wars soon accelerate.

There are signs that China's economy may have a short-term uptick but that shouldn't detract from what remains a poor long-term outlook.

Using cheap debt to buy assets makes a lot of sense right now, but only if it's done right. That wasn't the case with the world's largest retail M&A deal this year.

Many investors are now buying yield with little regard to the price that they're paying. It's a dangerous game that's not going to end well.

Gold may decline further to US$1,300-1,400/oz, but that will set up a significant buying opportunity.