Weekend Linkfest

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Now that was a helluva week: Major indices notched their best gains since the Iraq war began four years ago. Thank the Fed, for dropping language indicating a willingness to tighten rates. The Russell gained 3.9%, while the Dow tacked on more than 470 points, for a gain of more than 3%. The S&P 500 added nearly 50 points, or 3.5%, while the Nasdaq grabbed 82 points, or 3.5%. The indices have all returned to positive territory on a year-to-date basis.

But the biggest winners of the week were European stocks (up 4.7%), emerging markets (up 4.6%) and crude oil, which rose 4.5%. The big loser? The dollar -- it fell half a percent, and is down 3.5% for the past year. Treasuries also fared poorly. ...