RBC strategist Tom Porcelli noted when the net investor sentiment is calculated - bullish minus bearish - the metric is in dismal territory.

"This level - or worse - has only been reached 3 per cent of the time since mid-1987," Mr Porcelli said.

However, there may be a glimmer of hope in the gloom.

"What we know from the historical record is that when net investor sentiment hits these lowly levels, the equity market has rallied 71 per cent of the time over the ensuing quarter," Mr Porcelli told his clients.

Those rallies - in non-recessionary periods - have averaged a 6.4 per cent gain in following quarter.

However, that is no guarantee such a turnaround is imminent this time.

Balance of the Article ... www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-24/share-market-mayhem-fed-inflation/7107570?section=business
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