Why 2011 Is Not '2008'
With many investors now having descended back to full-fledged “panic mode”, it is obviously the perfect time to explain why 2011 could never be another event like the Crash of ’08. In distinguishing 2011 from 2008, many of the distinctions involve the degree of collapse which is possible/probable. Thus, I am not rejecting the suggestion that we are on the brink of another “crash”, but rather pointing out that the nature of any such crash would be remarkably different.
While most sectors of the economy (and most markets) are in worse shape than when the Crash of ’08 commenced, there are a couple of sectors which are quite clearly much stronger than in 2008. When we explore this dichotomy, it will quickly become obvious why events could not repeat the scripted “crash” of 2008.
Much less leverage in commodities:
Though there are many significant differences between 2011 and 2008, I will argue that none are as significant as the dramatically different dynamics which exist in commodities markets today versus the Summer of 2008.
In 2008, commodities markets were more leveraged (on the “long” side) than at any other time in the history of the global economy (and by a wide margin). Not only is this (arguably) the largest/strongest “bull market” for commodities in the history of the global economy, but it is the first commodities-boom since the explosion in the “hedge-fund” gamblers. These reckless speculators amplify volatility, risk, and leverage in any/every market they touch.
It is important to understand that there was absolutely no reason for commodities markets to crash in 2008 (just as there is absolutely no reason today). There is no plausible economic scenario in the future where the world economy will have sufficient amounts of most commodities. We are headed unequivocally toward a future of chronic commodities shortages...
Full commentary: http://www.bullionbullscanada.…nal-commentary&Itemid=133