IndependentInvestor Newsletter 080C of 17 01 2010 

Today's quote: Volcker is right. The collateralized debt obligations, collateralized mortgage- back securities, and other computer-spawned complexities and playthings were not the solutions to basic needs in the economy, but to unslaked greeds on Wall Street. Without them, banks would have had no choice but to continue to devote their capital and talents to meeting real needs from businesses and consumers, and there would have been no crisis, no crash, and no recession. Donald Coxe

Hello [NAME],

This is our seventy-sixth newsletter on current events and new developments, always from the viewpoint of the independent investor. If you are a new member, click here for general information about our newsletters.

This week welook at the highlights of the financial markets in 2009.

We hope you enjoy it.

2009: the good, the bad and the ugly of the past year (and even decade)

What a memorable year! In this, the second and last of our year-end 2009 commentaries we review the many highlights of the year for a self-investor in three categories: the good, the bad and the rest. In particular, how did the crisis affect investor behavior? Were you in panic mode in March at the absolute bottom of one of the worst markets on record? Instead of trying to forget the beginning of 2009, it would be preferable to remember both the ups and downs of the year, and draw a few lessons for the future. And let’s not forget the conduct of our governments and regulatory agencies during the crisis, which left much to be desired.

To read the balance of this commentary, please click  here to access the full text on our site.