Market Dynamics: is it the right time to buy

This information has been sourced from economictimes article,
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Markets/Analysis/Equity_-_Is_It_The_Right_Time_to_buy/articleshow/msid-3845314,curpg-2.cms

There are several metrics which can be observed to get a fair guesstimate about the direction market is heading towards. They are:

Earnings Approach

The current level of Sensex implies 10.0 x – 9.4 x P/E of FY09 earnings and probably around 12.5x – 11.3x of FY10 earnings.
Historically, since 1991, Sensex has traded in the range of 10-30 times one year forward earnings. So, currently the Sensex is certainly at the lower range of the historical P/E band.
Even if things are likely to be different this time due to a worldwide recession, we do not expect more than 20% downside from these levels.

Book Value Approach

The current P/BV (Price to Book Value) of Sensex is hovering around 2.3 which is in the range of historic lows of 2-2.4.
In last 18 years, whenever the P/BV ratio had drifted to around 2, it has been followed by a smart pull back. For example, in November 1998 when Sensex fell to around 2800 levels (P/BV of 2), the next six months witnessed a strong pullback rally of more than 40% pushing the index to 4000 levels.

Conversely during last 15 years, markets have fallen sharply every time the P/BV ratio has crossed 6.5. January 2008 was no exception to this rule.

Falling Yield in Equity

Historically, it has been observed that whenever Equity yield has crossed the G-Sec yield, it makes sense to invest in equities.
On the other hand, whenever G-Sec yield has reached higher than equity by 4% or more, it has been a good opportunity to sell out of equities.
In January 2008, the G-Sec yield was higher than equity by this threshold margin. Since this indicator was very accurate in predicting the peak of the bull market, it may be used as a good sign to determine the trough of this bear market. Since Equity yield has already crossed the G-Sec yield, we may conclude that we are near the bottom of the cycle as far as equity markets are concerned.