The main stock markets from around the world have had quite a good start to the year. I have to say that this, in my opinion, is quite a surprise as the overall economy is still in dire straits - it was only a couple of months ago that General Motors went into administration for example. I am asked on a regular basis whether I think that the stock markets will continue to rise in the second half of 2010.

I am actually loving the fact that these stock markets are doing so well. I love to invest on the markets, or gamble as my family like to call it.

I should mention however at this stage that I am not a financial adviser and that I am merely a novice investor who is hoping that the “gamble” will pay off. You should therefore not take what you read in this article as financial advice. I actually work on various projects including offering a stuttering course, DVD replication and also providing web promotion tips.

The professional investors are waiting for the markets to bottom out and are searching for any signs of a recovery in the current credit crisis. I have to say that I have not seen any green shoots thus far!

Over the last few months we have seen some dramatic gains on more of a hope that the recovery has started. So just how will the markets react when it sees some “real evidence” that the credit crunch is starting to ease? Well I would very much expect them to rally in a major way. With interest rates at historical lows people are seeking an investment which offers a much greater return than the measly three percent offered on the high street.

I personally believe that there are going to be some rocky roads ahead but that the bottom of the market may have been reached.