It seems there are plenty of analysts out there who are paid to make financial predictions. These guys go on CNBC or other shows and make their predictions with a completely straight face. However, if you look at their actual performance, their bosses might want their money back.
Here are a few of my favorites:
May 21, 2008 Arjun N. Murti, analyst at Goldman Sachs predicts oil to hit $200/barrel just before oil peaks at $147 then falls back to its current level of $40.23/barrel.
Jim Cramer predicts Bear Stearns is fine and healthy just before it goes completely under. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUkbdjetlY8
AIG (AIG) "could have huge gains in the second quarter." —Bijan Moazami, analyst, Friedman, Billings, Ramsey, May 9, 2008. AIG wound up losing $5 billion in that quarter and $25 billion in the next. It was taken over in September by the U.S. government, which will spend or lend $150 billion to keep it afloat.
So whats the point? Simple, just because someone makes a prediction, doesn't make it so. Most of these guys are making guesses. They don't know anymore than anyone else really. This isn't a complete insult to them since they know they are really frauds.
The big point is that you need to weigh all the advice, predictions and data then make as best a decision as you can. If you run your own business, focus on the little things and plan for the big things.
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