Stocks sink to levels last seen in '80s

The Japan Times Online ^ | Wednesday, September 4, 2002 | No byline

[altair]

More bad news from this side of the Pacific. As of 9 this morning, the Nikkei is down to 9083.77 and the Topix index is down to 888.47.

[chance33_98]

Well, Good. We need things to level out and be reborn after the liberal mess of the 90's. 'Money' Was everywhere, so if it was real, where did it all go? It was never there to begin with and this is the result of that mess (and many others, no one thing of course).

[VRW Conspirator]

The worst economy in the last 50 years, don't ya know!

[johnboy]

repeat after me (with glazed over eyes, if you really want to complete the effect): "buy and hold, buy and hold."

to appear erudite, instead of merely brainwashed, entone: "historically, the stock market appreciates 10% per year over time." (can anyone tell me, btw, where that last canard came from?)

[teletech]

If this keeps up another 2 years, as some on this forum have said, then what do you think the chances are that President Bush will win a second term?

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Yes, he will. Wartime Presidents rarely lose re-election and we'll be bombing or shooting at someone during that election, regardless of the economy.

[altair]

"historically, the stock market appreciates 10% per year over time."

Would the same be true for the Nikkei? I don't think there's that much history to it and the Japanese economy was in total shambles after the war. I would imagine that anyone fortunate enough to be able to buy stock in the 50's and 60's would be quite rich now.

[altair]

I don't think his chances are as good as many people on this forum think. It depends upon whom the Democrats nominate, but I think the election could be a close one. I am most afraid of a Hillary! campaign. She's as dirty as they come and smart enough to steal the election fair and square, unlike dumber-than-dirt Algore who was too stupid to be able to steal the last one.

When Japan finally crashes and burns it will have world-wide impact and if it happens in the next two years not even a shooting war may be enough to save President Bush's second term. Where are you going to get the electronics for modern weapons if Asia is in depression?

[Pelham]

Deflation, with interest rates nearly at zero. Japan had a twin bubble, stocks and real estate. As long as they refuse to clean up their banking system, and write off bad loans and close bankrupt firms, they're going to continue to stagnate.

[altair]

we'll be bombing or shooting at someone during that election, regardless of the economy.

So you really believe this will be war without end? I thought that was tinfoil hat material.

[altair]

Deflation

I've heard that described as a problem, but everything is (still) so expensive here. You could cut the price of everything in half and it would still be expensive.

[Nuke'm Glowing]

No, I think it will be a selective war. Whenver the poll numbers drop, we'll bomb someone who's harboring a terrorist camp, or terrorist goat, or terrorist camel. It's the ultimate politician war. You never have to name an enemy nation, just a target.

[Nuke'm Glowing]

No, I think it will be a selective war. Whenver the poll numbers drop, we'll bomb someone who's harboring a terrorist camp, or terrorist goat, or terrorist camel. It's the ultimate politician war. You never have to name an enemy nation, just a target.

[Nuke'm Glowing]

So when our real estate bubble bursts and the regulators refuse to shut down Rubin's firm, you'll say we're Japan redux?

[John W]

Wrong President.

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Have to disagree. This type of war is made for President's on either side of the political spectrum: Democommie or Republicrat... W is only better than Klintoon because he doesn't do obscene things in the Oval Office.

[RightWhale]

Japan finally crashes and burns it will have world-wide impact

In China especially don't you think? Can't imagine it will affect Japan's thirst for imported oil, though, so Arabia should be unaffected.

[John W]

One other reason Bush is better,that some folks miss for all the propaganda, is that he is competent and has competent people working for him.If not for the House O' Cards Clinton Roaring Nineties-now collapsed-what would be one legacy of Billy Blythe?Incompetence.

[Joe Hadenuf]

"historically, the stock market appreciates 10% per year over time." (can anyone tell me, btw, where that last canard came from?)

Not from any of the millions that have just lost their shorts, among other things..

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Believe me, I may not like a lot of W's policies, but I thank God every day that the alternative is not in office. Could you imagine asking the U.N. to help protect the U.S. from terrorists? And how much corruption in the financial markets would go unchecked!?!?! Terrifying.