IsaanT

I'll give you two more suggestons to help you. Firstly, as Michael Schumacher used to say of his own legacy, records are there to be broken. So why do you appear to suggest they are not? Secondly, as a simple primer, go and learn about Elliott Waves as an expression of stock market movement. You may or may not choose to believe in them but many professionals do - just saying. And you may then start to see that 1929's 'Great Depression' was just wave 2...

I'd be really grateful if you could provide some meaningful justification for your opinion. Otherwise, it just appears to be an uninformed kneejerk expression of your entrenched opinion, and that doesn't show you in a good light, does it? Come on, you can do better than this. p.s. I value @spidermike007's contributions to these forums, too.

@Harrisfan, there was a useful thread here recently that covers a lot of the main points in our discussion today. It is: It's quite long but there are some knowledgeable contributors so you may find it of interest (as an example, I have a lot of time for @Walker88's opinions).

You are correct and it did, indeed, appear to be a great depression. The coming one will dwarf it. I could explain why but there are some very entrenched opinions here and I have no wish to provoke or upset people. I also try to bring something useful in my posts because expounding my opinion for its own sake is such a meaningless exercise (it would be even more so if it was uninformed). There are some very bright people here who broadly concur with me about the general direction of travel (although the specifics that I have stated are obviously difficult to comment on because nobody has a crystal ball, do they?).

You are entitled to your opinion, and I respect that. However, elephants have long memories and so do I. I might ask you where you stand on this later this year. And, as you are self-evidently much younger than me, we can talk about it again in 2041.

I've always thought you were a smart contributor, and I continue to believe this.

I do think many years ahead. In five year's time the current stock markets will be trashed. For example, you can only hope that the S&P500 stops at 1,000. But it won't. All other global markets and indicies will be affected in a similar manner. Furthermore, as I recently stated here on another thread, the global recession will last a minimum of 16 years. I'm only 65, and my smartwatch tells me I have a physical age of 55, so I expect to come out the other side; many here won't. I don't say these things to alarm anyone or feel pleased about myself - my hope is to make people think and do their own research. This is not a time for complacency about personal finances, particularly for those of us who are retired. As for anyone who says these drops are presenting great opportunities to buy on the dips, please advise us all when the dips have reached the bottom and you're going to dive back in again so we can all observe quietly from the sidelines (clue: the professionals call it 'catching falling knives').

Have you seen the FTSE today...? Sure, there will be some moves back up from time to time but look to see if they are impulsive or retracements. The trend hasn't become fully established yet - it will be unmistakeable when it does.

In principle I would agree with you - dividend income is typically much less risky than seeking asset gains. However, you will recognise that there are some assumptions in your statement. Firstly, if global economies shrink (and we go into a recession), the chances of a dividend being maintained at current levels diminishes. Trump's actions are taking us there rapidly. Secondly, I have strong reasons to believe we are about to enter a global recession, and it will last a long time. As the average age of forum members is quite high, we all may not see share prices recover to previous levels in our lifetimes. Again, Trump's actions - aided by Rachel Reeves in my home country - are taking us there. FWIW, Wise is currently giving me 3.96% interest which exceeds Thailand's 2023 inflation rate of 1.23% so that's my safe haven for instant access funds now.

In Thailand, 24C in the bedroom for best sleep. We are both comfortable. There are no complaints (there are some moans but they are to be expected in a bedroom occasionally...). In England, 18C for best sleep.

More detail below. These are just forecasts as of today (4th April), and could be different tomorrow. P.S. I start building a house in May, with a planned completion in October, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that reality comes close to the forecast. 🤞

I haven't seen @Yagoda in this thread. I'm wondering what his upbeat 'stocks dude' is advising now.

FYI Current UK Pound/Thai Baht exchange rate forecasts are for 49-50 baht/£ in fourth quarter this year.

This would be correct if we are at the bottom and prices rise again. Do you think we're at the bottom?

Your statement is correct at face value (no pun intended). However, an alternative viewpoint is: you are retaining increasingly lower-value assets, which you may sell eventually (or your estate will inherit the reduced value if the current trend continues).

If something unexpected happened on the road in front of them (have Thai drivers ever pulled out in front of oncoming traffic...?), their ability to control the scooter is compromised, thus placing them at much higher risk of things outside of their control. This might be impressive in a circus but not on public roads.

You don't need to be a subscriber to view a YT video. Only a small subset of viewers might choose to subscribe.

In my area, it's the three rocket bangs in quick succession that alerts the locals about a death. The rockets are set off by the local monks. I hear them most weeks. p.s. You are right @simon43, I do count each day as a blessing.

Bob, Elvis, Don... Yet another identity to ignore. Leopards can't change their spots Bob/Elvis/Don. You are so easy to spot (no pun intended). Each new personality tries to start positively but quickly degenerates into attacks and negativity. Only a personality change would be effective, not a new name on the same old angry rants. Is being nice so hard?

Gamma, you're obviously an intelligent chap but your style of presentation is apparently not universally popular on the forum. It's a tough gig here and the critics sometimes speak in a way that they would never do to one's face. That's anonymity for you. I remember a while back you asked for help with your presentation style. I offered but I heard no more. You are clearly motivated but your motivations are unclear. Do PM me - I'd be interested to have a chat with you and see if we could possibly find a way forward for you.

I have read every post in this thread, and the vast majority of replies appear to be constructed from the viewpoint of a westerner. With respect, if you want to know how Thais feel about any apparent inequality (to use the western term) to know whether any guilt is justified, it's necessary to look at it from the Thai viewpoint. In Thailand, there isn't the same societal focus on inequality as there often is in Western countries. The Thai approach is generally more accepting and pragmatic. The key factors that shape how Thais feel about foreigners with more money are respect for local culture, economic contribution, and personal behaviour. As long as a foreigner is considerate, humble, and respectful, their financial status is typically not a point of contention. Instead, it may even be viewed as a source of positive influence on the local economy and community. Foreigners with more money can be viewed with a sense of curiosity or admiration, especially if they live in a way that respects Thai values. There may be a sense of fascination or even respect for their lifestyle and the opportunities they have had.

As the only farang in my large village - and I don't shop in 7/11 (prefer Lotus, for milk and apples - everything else from the local markets and shops) - it has to be the locals keeping them in business. Just saying.

@swissie, you are right. I reflect on my gratitude most days. The next generations will never have it so good. I took early retirement two years ago. I worked hard all my life but I always knew I was a good time to be born. My investments currently keep me going, and when all my pensions kick in the next few years I'll be getting more than when I retired from a good job in IT in the UK. We are comfortable but consumption for its own sake is unfulfilling so I'm expecting most of my money will be left to the children. They're going to need it more than me.

Sometimes it takes longer for some people to adapt to their chosen adopted country than others.

Indeed. 40% of all vehicles sold in Thailand are pick-ups, although possibly not so many in the cities and coastal resorts. They're good to drive, cope comfortably with any roads and are not intimidated by the occasional flooded road. The road tax incentive is a bonus. I have a Mitsubishi Triton (the thinking man's pick-up). 😉