This and That: Buffett thanks Uncle Sam and more…

Before we jump into this week’s selection of links, a quick reminder that you can read my posts in your favourite reader or have it delivered via e-mail.

I’m currently reading a brilliant new book by Meir Statman titled “What Investors Want”. So, I went looking for a video that captures some of the themes in the book. In the following video, Prof. Statman explains why investors often make what at first glance appears to be irrational choices.

1. In an op-ed piece in The New York Times, Warren Buffett praises Uncle Sam for taking swift action in the face of an unprecedented financial crisis.
2. Jason Zweig takes a look at a recent report that claimed that ETFs are becoming so large that they can blow up and take the markets down with them.
3. Many investors are sick of high mutual fund fees and are exploring low-fee options. One Canadian Money Forum member pondered the actual mechanics of exiting out of DSC funds into low-cost TD e-Series funds.
4. Million Dollar Journey featured a guest post by a corporate executive who took a year off to pursue personal interests. She provided the lowdown on how she funded her adventure.
5. Investors are notorious for chasing investment returns. Steadyhand’s Tom Bradley offers investors an antidote in the form of a simple risk management tool.
6. Michael James reports on how he negotiated a lower interest rate on his line of credit.
7. Money Smarts Blog recently wrote a review of CIBC Investors Edge, which now offers one of the lowest trading commissions around for clients with a large balances with them.
8. Larry MacDonald has book suggestions for the finance enthusiast in your Christmas list.
9. Canadian Couch Potato opens the hood of the Claymore Global Monthly Advantage Dividend ETF and finds it attractive to some investors.
10. With Christmas just around the corner and shopping season in full swing, Gail helpfully warns us about tricks retailers employ to entice us to spend more.
11. The Holy Potato discusses the points raised in a TVO program that made a case against home ownership.
12. Canadian Financial Stuff knows that taking the bus may cost less but he still prefers to drive a car to work. He must be working downtown. If I take the bus to where I work, I’ll spend half my day commuting.

Have a great weekend everyone!