Weekend Linkfest

Cruel January! Investors counting on Fed cuts were delivered bad news on Friday. Talk about the soft prejudice of low expectations: 167,000 new jobs barely keeps up with population growth.

The report sent both stocks and bonds tumbling.

The Trader column (in the new smaller Barron's) noted:

"The week's steep slide in oil and copper prices failed to mollify investors. Without paying too much heed to the annual flip of the calendar, performance-chasing fund managers who had to run after the 2006 rally now get a fresh 12-month window to earn their keep. And they could -- for now -- wait for better openings to pounce."

The Dow slipped half a percent, the S&P 500 fell 0.6% -- the second decline in three weeks for both -- while last year's laggard, the Nasdaq, started the year off on the right foot, gaining 0.8%. ...