I am really blessed and honored to feature the view of one columnist who I admire a lot. I first encountered him in 2005 in a seminar as he spoke about what we can expect in the coming months. I have since been a fan reading his column at the Business Mirror, one that is full of insights and uncanny accuracy whenever he forecasts the economy and investments.

Here’s the 2012 Outlook of Mr. John Mangun

Peso = Steady to lower during first half, then appreciating through end of the year.

PSE (Phil. Stock Exchange) = Prices gradually increasing to 4,800/5,000 during first two quarters, then subject to a downtrend correction before going higher.

Economy = Flat growth through 2^nd quarter, gradually increasing through year end.

Business = Flat business activity through 2^nd quarter, then increasing through year end.

Who is John Mangun?

Interest in the stock market first hit John Mangun when he was in his early teens, following the stock price action of major companies in the daily newspaper long before the computer.

In 1976, Mr. Mangun earned his license as a stock broker on the New York Stock Exchange as well as being licensed and registered for the Options and Commodity markets.

After working for two major Wall Street firms, Mr. Mangun went to England as head of foreign exchange trading for a British asset management company.

Upon his return to the United States, he formed his own investment advisory company administering to the investment needs of corporations and high-net worth individuals.

Mr. Mangun has actively analyzed and traded the Philippine Stock Exchange since 1989, making his first stock purchase (and losing trade) buying shares of San Miguel Corporation on Friday, November 24th, one week before the 1989 coup attempt.

He has been a regular newspaper columnist, writing about the Philippine economy, business, and stock market since 1996. His website is MangunOnMarkets.com.