A longtime investment adage holds that “As goes Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), so goes the rest of the semiconductor industry.”

As you scour the globe for potential post-financial-crisis profit plays, don’t overlook Taiwan. Stock markets around the world have already started to rebound with joy as investors begin to believe that that the unpleasant global recession is finally nearing its bottom.

There’s more bad news for those of you who are worrying about the United States’ global geo-strategic position. According to a recent report, starting next year, Chinese manufacturing output will exceed that of the United States.

The world’s largest credit-rating companies say mortgage lenders Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) have bullet-proof Aaa credit ratings. But Bloomberg says derivatives traders are treating the discount mortgage brokers as if they are rated five levels lower.

And, ominously, the price of contracts used to speculate on the creditworthiness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and to protect against a default doubled in the past two months.

What about the government’s implied guarantee of the debt held by the companies? It seems investor confidence in short supply.

With a wheezing economy that’s struggling with housing and credit problems – as well as a weak dollar – it’s clear the United States won’t be in the investment spotlight this year.