22-Dec-08 to 04-Jan-09: Year ends on a positive note

Finally, it’s over. I mean 2008 is finally over. New year, new hopes, BHO has a tough task cut out for him.
Markets are very calm and up on mostly low volumes. Also, markets are up expecting big stimulus by Obama.

Some of the economic news to look forward to in new year,
1. Decision on auto bailout
2. Obama stimulus plan – how big, who benefits
3. Eurozones response to rapidly falling inflation
4. UK struggling to stabilize the economy
5. China and exchange rate manipulation

Who said what about 2008?
Stefan Karlsson on currency movements in 2008
Justin Wolfers of Freakonomics blog about the happiness index of the year 2008
Bond Tangent on 2008 bond market

Who is hoping what from 2009?
Dani Rodrik is looking forward to 2009?
RGE blog on banking in 2009
Martin Wolfe on 2009
Brad Setser captures his view on 2009

Crisis watch at the end of Y2K8:

TED spread 1.33
S&P: 931.80 (+4.2%)
VIX: 39.19