Weekend Linkage – February 3, 2008

Recap of the week

So January finally ended.I guess everybody is happy that the toughest January in years is over. The stock markets started the new year with a noise dive, with the Dow plunging nearly 500 points in the first five trading sessions. By the time when the index lost nearly 1000 points, the Fed came to rescue, delivering two consecutive rate cuts in a matter of a week. The aggressive, total 1.25% reduction in interest rate gave equity markets a boost. Since January 23rd, the Dow reclaimed almost 800 points, with more then 500 points coming in the last week. However, January still shaped up to be the worst start of the new year in years. For the month, the Dow dropped more than 4.6%.

For the week, the Dow gained 4.4% to 12,743.19, the S&P 500 rose 4.9% to end the week at 1,395.42 and the tech-heavy NASDAQ added 3.8% to 2,413.36. Spot gold posted a losing week with a drop of $2.60/ounce to close at $907.90 an ounce, while silver gained 38 cents to $16.79/ounce.

Interesting reads

Ben at Money Smart Life listed tax deductions that can increase your after tax investment return. Check it out so you don’t overlook any deduction you are eligible.

Do you have disability insurance? Do you need one? Jeremy at Generation X Finance explained why having a disability insurance can save your financial life.

Silicon Valley Blogger at The Digerati Life decided to choose simplicity over complexity when it comes to investing. Better yet, the simplest portfolio could beat the average investor’ returns.

Lazy Man at Lazy Man and Money used a guest to discuss Simplified Employee Pension Plan, or SEP-IRA, and a strategy to fund the plan to gain the maximum benefits.

NCN at No Credit Needed asked: Do you need a little balance when it comes to matters of personal finance?

Do you take advices from so-called gurus? FMF at Free Money Finance said most financial journalists don’t know much what they write about.

MBH at Mighty Bargain Hunter shared his thoughts on Generation Y males, or child-men, and finances.

2million talked about what characteristics they would consider for a house and why house is their biggest obstacle to financial freedom.

Super Saver at My Wealth Builder posted how Saver’s Credit can help with retirement savings.

Mapgirl at Mapgirl’s Fiscal Challenge offered some advices if you are laid off.