Citic Pacific Ltd seems to be in a bad position. An executive working at Citic seemingly violated procedures by investing in the Australian Dollar, the Euro, and the Chinese yuan without proper approval. When the dollar surged against the Australian dollar and the Euro, Citic Pacific was exposed to unlimited losses due to their investing in major Hong Kong banks using a so-called “accumulator” position.

The company would face a loss of about HK$14.7 billion based on current forex levels; however, as it intends to mark the contracts to market on Dec. 31, the actual loss could be higher or lower. Citic Pacific had already realized losses of HK$807.7 million on the forex contracts as of Friday. Citic Pacific plans to realize all of the losses this year, so they won’t affect the company’s 2009 results.

Citic Pacific had been suspended from trade in Hong Kong on Monday and is expected to fall sharply when it resumes Tuesday.

In changing times with a very volatile economic market, the impacts of the “bailout” prove that our national financial system has been tarnished but the hope for repair is the result of the country’s ability to stand up and fight through the turmoil. The economic repercussions of the “bailout” while, hopeful, may still not be enough to help our housing market recover from the immense distress we face as a nation. However, with the economy in such a difficult place, it seems that there is no other quick immediate solution to save what is left. The market is oversaturated with listing inventory and this “bailout” will hopefully deplete the mass housing for sale. In a buyer’s market, it is critical to move inventory quickly to stabilize the market conditions so that prices can equalize. The rescue plan will provide solutions for distressed home-owners and possibly even save the mass thousands out there who face foreclosure. Even so, the possibility of resolution from financial destruction is very real for the mass public so the immediate effects of the “bailout” may not impact the majority population who is suffering and losing their homes. It is hard to really predict the consequences of this emergency plan but the fact that our national governmental body has stepped in is a significant indicator that our country is in some pretty significant trouble. Our best bet is to listen closely, assess our personal situations and consult professionals who can direct and advise us to a better place. This economy and this market should correct itself and now with a helping hand should put us on the path to recovery. Who knows, this may be the case or this may just be the beginning. Regardless, our confidence should rest in our own decisions based on our own personal scenarios. While we depend on our country to do the right thing, the only final judge of that is ourselves.

Regard to our shifting market,

Helen Oliveri