2006 to 2008 was a boom period for Asian majors China and India - although things started taking a turn for the worse towards the end of this period. Majority of people would have not expected things to turn out the way they did. The eruption of the global economic crisis has pretty much put the brakes on the growth levels of these - then seemingly slowdown defying economies - quite strongly.
Today, growth rates in these countries have reduced significantly, to more than half (from peak level) in India's case. And things are expected to slowdown going by some of the recent predictions that are making rounds. Clubbing this with the many problems India has been facing and it seems to paint a grim picture. In fact, things are so grim that the negative developments seem to have made Indians to be amongst the most 'suffering' people on this planet.
As per a survey done by Gallup, the South Asian region - which largely constitutes of India - has seen the largest increase in terms of people suffering. The average number of people suffering in the country has more than doubled to about 25% during the 2010 to 2012 period from 10% in 2006 to 2008. On an overall level, India ranked fourth in terms of sharpest change in suffering between these two periods.
The survey was carried out by asking respondents to classify their current and future lives from 0 to 10. Any rating below 4 would be termed as 'suffering', with the other two classifications being 'thriving' and 'struggling'.
Whether this survey should be taken with a pinch of salt is something that would be difficult to comment on. But, we believe it does signify the high frustration levels of Indians. The past few years have been difficult. Difficult because of many factors. First and primarily being the high inflation level, which have pretty much increased the price of nearly everything! Be it basic necessities, food or energy. To add to that, the weak currency has made matters worse! Not to forget the unaffordable housing prices leaving most to extend their dreams of buying and owning a home and improving their lives. To add to that, the many episodes of scams along with the low business confidence levels are also aspects that have added to the frustration.
We are living amidst difficult times. And the way things are going, it seems we will continue to do so for a while. What is the approach an investor must take? The right asset allocation, we believe. Investing through troubled times should be done with care. Investments into relatively risky assets should be done only after keeping aside enough for one's short to medium term requirements.
Do you believe Indians to be the most suffering people on this planet? Let me know your comments
Today, growth rates in these countries have reduced significantly, to more than half (from peak level) in India's case. And things are expected to slowdown going by some of the recent predictions that are making rounds. Clubbing this with the many problems India has been facing and it seems to paint a grim picture. In fact, things are so grim that the negative developments seem to have made Indians to be amongst the most 'suffering' people on this planet.
As per a survey done by Gallup, the South Asian region - which largely constitutes of India - has seen the largest increase in terms of people suffering. The average number of people suffering in the country has more than doubled to about 25% during the 2010 to 2012 period from 10% in 2006 to 2008. On an overall level, India ranked fourth in terms of sharpest change in suffering between these two periods.
The survey was carried out by asking respondents to classify their current and future lives from 0 to 10. Any rating below 4 would be termed as 'suffering', with the other two classifications being 'thriving' and 'struggling'.
Whether this survey should be taken with a pinch of salt is something that would be difficult to comment on. But, we believe it does signify the high frustration levels of Indians. The past few years have been difficult. Difficult because of many factors. First and primarily being the high inflation level, which have pretty much increased the price of nearly everything! Be it basic necessities, food or energy. To add to that, the weak currency has made matters worse! Not to forget the unaffordable housing prices leaving most to extend their dreams of buying and owning a home and improving their lives. To add to that, the many episodes of scams along with the low business confidence levels are also aspects that have added to the frustration.
We are living amidst difficult times. And the way things are going, it seems we will continue to do so for a while. What is the approach an investor must take? The right asset allocation, we believe. Investing through troubled times should be done with care. Investments into relatively risky assets should be done only after keeping aside enough for one's short to medium term requirements.
Do you believe Indians to be the most suffering people on this planet? Let me know your comments
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