THE JCC's annual economic outlook event took place at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas earlier this week.

Representatives from banks, accountants, legal firms, recruitment, construction and corporate service providers attended to hear speakers Dermot Hamill, Gary Colley, Noel Kelly and Chris Wilson from Collins Stewart Wealth Management.

The JCC had arranged for the four speakers to address members on topics such as the global outlook and high yielding equities and commodities and in particular gold.

Dermot discussed the recent economic situation and some of the possible threats in the current environment - namely inflation.

Examples were given for suitable investments during a period of either low or high growth with high inflation, namely that commodities are more suitable while bonds are currently overpriced.

Gary discussed examples of high yielding equities paying good dividends and explained that in the current environment equities were priced cheaply, especially in view of the recent tragic situation in Japan and that again bonds were expensive and not a suitable investment class in present times.

Noel then provided an insight into commodity selection and in particular mining stocks and a review of the eastern exposure now required in portfolios.

Chris gave an interesting review of gold pricing, focusing on the last 40 years and then providing data on the major gold producers.

Attendees wishing to speak to Dermot, Gary, Noel or Chris were able to do so at the end of the event during a networking session.

Next month JCC's annual cheese and wine networking event will take place. Details are being finalised and should be released on the JCC website very shortly.

JCC membership is open to Isle of Man residents and corporate organisations. Application forms are available at www.jcc.im