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One expert bearish on China

- Alan Lavine and Gail Liberman



Although many are touting China as the place to invest, not all agree.

John Dessauer, editor of John Dessauer's Investor's World, Boston, says China's remarkable economic growth over the past 10 years has recently spun out of control. He believes China's economy is headed for a hard landing. The reasons:

  • China's inflation rate is considerably higher than official figures indicate, Dessauer says. Current measures to curb inflation are too little, too late.

  • Rising oil prices have effectively destroyed Beijing's control over key economic forces.

  • There is a growing electrical shortage.

  • There are concerns about the safety of Chinese banks.

  • As growth slows, China inevitably will import less from its neighbors, including South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Russia. This could hurt all of Asia.

    No one knows for sure what will happen to the Chinese economy over the short term. Investing in mutual fund that owns just Chinese stocks can be risky. So make it a small part of your holdings.

    The best way to invest: Own an international stock fund that invests worldwide. It's less risky. The reason: Losses in one region of the world may be offset by gains in other markets.

    Also invest in a well-diversified U.S. stock fund. Plus, make sure you also hold bonds and cash.

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    Alan Lavine and Gail Liberman are husband and wife columnist and authors of The Complete Idiot's Guide To Making Money With Mutual Funds, (Alpha Books). Al and Gail's new book is Rags to Retirement, (Alpha Books).


    To read more columns, please visit the column archive.




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