With the current troubled state of the nation's economy, and the decision to use a second debt exchange as part of the medium-term solution, the American Women's Group (AWG) last Thursday received some very valuable advice from Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL).

Ryan Strachan, manager, Wealth Division, and Gillian Bernard, adviser, Corporate Wealth Division, made an informative presentation on how and what to invest in during these financially troubling times.

Following an explanation of how the National Debt Exchange works, the women were advised to identify undervalued or discounted assets and to buy and hold them until there is a 'correction' in their value. In other words, they should learn to be opportunistic.

In managing their portfolio of investments, they were encouraged to be aware that value of stocks and securities were driven by ratings, fundamental analysis, investor confidence and market conditions. However, it was noted that market confidence is now at an all-time low.

profitable stocks

The SSL team told the AWG members that among the profitable stocks now available in Jamaica are Carreras Limited, LASCO Manufacturing Limited and Access Financial Services.

The AWG was hosted at lunch courtesy of SSL at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel, New Kingston. The presentation was put on through a collaboration of the organisation's president, Gloria Palomino, its vice-president for programmes, Ann-Marie Vaz, and other members of the board.

Vaz told The Gleaner she selected the topic in light of the economic challenges now facing Jamaica. The women found the presentation informative and left armed with a knowledge of available investment opportunities, and how the SSL can assist them in making use of these opportunities!

The AWG comprises wives of diplomats, expatriate workers and influential Jamaican women who have found ways to enjoy themselves while giving back through scholarships to needy children in Jamaica.

SSL offers full client service and will personalise these to suit clients' needs. They can be contacted at: Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) 33 1/2 Hope Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, WI. Phone:929-3400 929-4825 (Fax), Website: www.sslinvest.com.