Pros Say: Avoid Stocks at All Costs

Stocks started the week on a positive note again Monday, on optimism for a worldwide economic recovery later this year. But with the future still unclear and economic reports continuing to show deteriorating conditions, experts tell CNBC to stay out of stocks for the first half of 2009.

Stay Away from Stocks

In the first-half of 2009, do not bet on stocks at all, advises Stephen Gollop, CEO of Tyche. In light of this, he suggests investing in gold and managed futures.

2009 - An Inflection Year?

This could be an interesting inflection year for stocks, says Gabriel Yap, senior dealing director at DMG and Partners Securities. He tells CNBC what contributed to his view.

Crude Unlikely to Hold Onto Gains

The current bounce in oil prices is not sustainable, believes Jonathan Kornafel, director, Asia at Hudson Capital Energy. He gives his outlook on oil.

Commodity Currencies Seen Recovering

Expect a short-term recovery for commodity currencies at the expense of the yen and the dollar, forecasts John Noonan, senior FX analyst at Thomson Reuters.

Euro-Dollar's Rally Seems Overdone

The euro-dollar's rally in December seems overdone, says Claudio Piron, head of Asia FX research at JPMorgan. He tells CNBC that the cross could weaken to around the $1.36 levels as we approach mid-week.

Aussie Dollar Seen Gaining

The Aussie dollar could push towards $0.75 against the greenback within the next few days, says David Britten, risk manager of foreign exchange at Custom House.

Outlook for Emerging Markets in '09

Continue to exercise caution when investing in emerging markets, advises Stefan Hofer, emerging markets equity analyst at Julius Baer. He gives his outlook on the EM space in 2009.

India Will Face a Tough Challenge

India will have a tougher challenge compared to China in trying to revive their slowing economies, says Uwe Parpart, chief economist & strategist, Asia at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Asia Faces Serious Risk of Deflation

There is a serious risk of deflation in Asia in the next 3 to 6 months, says Rob Subbaraman, co-head of non-Japan Asia economics at Nomura International.

Asia's Recovery May Be Delayed Until 2010

There is a slight risk that Asia's recovery could be delayed until 2010, warns Rob Subbaraman, co-head of non-Japan Asia economics at Nomura International.

© 2009 CNBC.com