US markets fell last week after General Electric's disappointing results increased expectations the economy is falling into recession. Stocks from Capital Goods, Banks and Cons. Durables were under pressure while Energy stocks managed to close broadly flat wow. On a technical point of view, even though a further consolidation cannot be ruled out, its extent should be limited. After that, an uptrend resumption remains our favoured view.

European markets followed Wall Street's pessimism at the end of the week. EURUSD still trades close to its historical highs. Stocks in the Insurance, Health Care and Retailing underperformed whereas shares in the Basic Resources and Oil & Gas sectors performed the best against the Euro Stoxx 50. Technically, even if a limited further consolidation is likely in the early stage of the week, an upturn should be seen then.

Property investors will find that Switzerland is "an extremely safe country" in which to entrust their money, it has been claimed 
     
Steve Thomas, managing director of Alpine Property Investments, explained that the nation has a very stable housing market, something which is attractive to potential investors.