Goodbye 2007, hello 2008. And to get us started, we have some interesting forecasts and predictions concerning world events and financial markets in the coming year.
On the more "practical" side of the fence we have the Financial Times' predictions for 2008, driven by the FT's "crack corp of pundits" who, "throw caution to the wind and risk humiliation in the pursuit of glory".
So you see, they fully realize the folly of forecasting going in. This awareness, combined with the rather straight-laced tone of their forecasts is what leads me to label this exercise as a more practical and carefully considered example of the art of crystal ball gazing.
Our second batch of forecasts comes from Saxo Bank's Outrageous Predictions for 2008.
I first stumbled upon Saxo's predictions in an english version Pravda article, and at first I thought the dire headline warnings about the direction of the US economy were a work of state-sponsored doomsaying on Russia's part.
But in fact, the predictions of significantly higher oil prices and a stumbling US stock market were the work of Denmark-based Saxo Bank, which traditionally offers its "outrageous" predictions in order to spur thought and debate.
I was very interested to read some of Saxo Bank's calls, especially in the area of commodity prices and in its mention of US politics and Presidential candidate Ron Paul. Give this one a look, because I think you will find these forecasts a worthwhile read as well.
Enjoy both sets of forecasts, and we'll see you back here in 2008. Best New Year's wishes to everyone!
On the more "practical" side of the fence we have the Financial Times' predictions for 2008, driven by the FT's "crack corp of pundits" who, "throw caution to the wind and risk humiliation in the pursuit of glory".
So you see, they fully realize the folly of forecasting going in. This awareness, combined with the rather straight-laced tone of their forecasts is what leads me to label this exercise as a more practical and carefully considered example of the art of crystal ball gazing.
Our second batch of forecasts comes from Saxo Bank's Outrageous Predictions for 2008.
I first stumbled upon Saxo's predictions in an english version Pravda article, and at first I thought the dire headline warnings about the direction of the US economy were a work of state-sponsored doomsaying on Russia's part.
But in fact, the predictions of significantly higher oil prices and a stumbling US stock market were the work of Denmark-based Saxo Bank, which traditionally offers its "outrageous" predictions in order to spur thought and debate.
I was very interested to read some of Saxo Bank's calls, especially in the area of commodity prices and in its mention of US politics and Presidential candidate Ron Paul. Give this one a look, because I think you will find these forecasts a worthwhile read as well.
Enjoy both sets of forecasts, and we'll see you back here in 2008. Best New Year's wishes to everyone!