If interest rates and oil really begin to rise, it would be a problem for stocks. At the current levels, I'm not too worried. The markets and companies can manage.

The decline in oil helped (stocks), as well as the hope that maybe the Fed will be finished raising interest rates.

The decline in oil helped, as well as the hope that maybe the Fed will be finished raising interest rates.

I can imagine that a bid does actually happen and I'd be happy with somewhere under 900 pence. It has got predictable earnings and that's attractive.

The dollar is a mess, interest rates appear to be on the rise, oil prices are going up and some earnings are looking weaker - it all adds up to bad news. I'm taking some profits on certain stocks, but it's not time to go running for the exits just yet.

Despite uncertainties on interest rates and oil prices during 2005, about 70 companies would be listed on the main board and the Growth Enterprise Market this year and funds raised could reach HK$192 billion.