By Lim Say Boon

ASSET/FINANCIAL markets under the so-called 'new normal' - that is, the world after the global financial crisis - are anything but normal.

Bad news is now good news for stocks.

Equities and bonds are no longer negatively correlated. They now rally in tandem.

And emerging market economies and asset markets are booming even while those of the G7 struggle sideways.

As confusing as conditions are, there are several themes which should be useful in guiding investors through the metaphorical fog.