The Movers and Shakers Report - Christmas 2009 Edition

A summary of the latest stock ideas and global insights from the Stockopedia Community.

Markets & Macro

If you have been astonished by the market rally in 2009, there's plenty of food for thought for 2010.  Niels Jensen is concerned by mental midgets and moral pygmies, John Mauldin worries about a double dip recession in 2011 while Bill Bonner suggests that, rather than buying the dips, we just sit back and enjoy the depression. But if you are thinking about repositioning, bear in mind the recent words of Dr Marc Faber that cash and bonds may be the worst two investments for a portfolio.

The BRICS continue to spark interest with Marben100 finding anecdotal evidence of the global impact of Chinese overcapacity in provincial Brazil while Andrew Butter argues the Shanghai markets are still well off bubble territory.  The Dubai story was kept in the news by the recent move by Abu Dhabi to pay Dubai's debts fueling debate amongst our Top Contributors.

Oil & Gas Focus

Industry expert David Bamford writes about who and where is winning in global frontier oil exploration. The Oil Majors lost out in 2009 to upstarts including Gulf Keystone, Heritage Oil and Anadarko. Will 2010 continue in that vein? ValueInvestor assesses the prospects for Falkland Oil & Gas with a rig finally moving to the area. 

Globalisation of the Natural Gas Market has put a big strain on the UK's lack of gas storage facilities - Providence Resources aims to invest in this trend in the Irish Sea. The ongoing Major Power energy security scramble is further illustrated by China’s natural gas pipeline with Kazakhstan bypassing Russia.

Emptyend reviewed O&G valuation trends, while DJPreston highlighted the listing of Russian E&P play PetroKamchatka. Other oilers discussed were Tullow, Serica and Petrominerales.

Stockopedia Contributor, Andrew Sibel has provided a helpful write-up of London Global Energy Conference presentations by both Hardy Oil & Gas and Rajasthan E&P play Indus Gas who incidentally reported interims this week

Metals, Mining and Miscellany

After an incredible run, the price of Gold had a well documented setback this week - opinions remain divided over whether Gold is about to go parabolic or just go pop. Potash miner, Sirius Exploration has been a closely watched stock - who knew that potash could be so interesting? Once tipped for great things, prospects for Caledon Resources look more bleak after apparently failing to find a suitable buyer for the business.

The Coppock Indicator called the bottom of the bear market exceptionally well, but skeptics remain.  Valueinvestor took a closer look at China Shoto while also assessing the case for investing in the infrastucture sector focusing on 3iN and HiC. Shaun Rein assessed the latest trends for the newspaper publishing sector in light of Rupert Murdoch's recent broadside at Google. For those interested in trading options, Anna Morrell has recently a useful introductory piece here, while also assessing the prospects for stockbroker, Brewin Dolphin.

Elsewhere on Stockopedia

Podcasts are here! Starting with Dominic Frisby's superb Bulls & Bears series. Dominic is a MoneyWeek writer who regularly interviews  luminaries of the financial world. We particularly recommend the excellent recent podcasts with Dr Marc Faber and  Bill Bonner.

In the Stockopedia Seasonal Challenge, Salty64 briefly stormed into the lead, up 45.7% after the massive spike from Range Resources. The current leader is ASingh, up 30.3% by picking SRB CRP & MVH.

Have a great Christmas and Safe Investing for 2010,

Ed, Dave and the Stockopedia Team