> I'm surprised to see the optimistic messages
> posted by Dien, Thomas and Steve. Being
> immersed in the news as I am, I find their
> mindset hard to share.

Let me make a number of points.

Firstly, my point was that I expect a lot of growth ahead in the "New Economy", but I'm talking longer-term, driven by the fundamental changes in how people do more things online, and more people go online.

As for when this will happen -- a year, two years, or more -- I have no idea, and make no claims about that.

Secondly, I think the news tends to focus on the present -- what people are doing and thinking now. This may not be a good guide to the future, as crashes and recoveries can happen relatively quickly.

Thirdly, from a valuation/investment perspective.. I tend to follow a fundamental/value/Buffett-like approach, and believe that it's possible to find good performing investments even in a bad market, so long as you do your research and focus on the long-term outlook for a company.

- Thomas.