Investment Outlook & Strategy for 2012 H2Gold prices hit a 2012 high in February but to date, it has dropped by 10%. With global central banks entering a new phase of policy easing, is it time to go for gold again? China’s medium-term prospects have also come under scrutiny of late as economy has significantly softened; is the Renminbi still the most palatable Asian currency? How should investors strategise their portfolio in the second half of the year with a global slowdown in sight? Financial Planning 101: Share BuybackA share buyback happens when a listed company buys its own shares from the open market at prevailing market prices. Why do listed companies do so? The availability of free floating company shares will be reduced after a share buyback; how are shareholders affected in terms of share prices and earnings per share?