Hedge funds matched broad market averages in 2009.  Many are not impressed. (FINalternatives, Clusterstock, DailyFinance, EconomPic Data)

Are earnings estimates too high?  (The Pragmatic Capitalist)

More on the evidence that individual investors have reloaded on equities.  (Sentiment’s Edge)

High yield bonds continue to outperform their less risky brethren.  (Bespoke)

How generous your ETF provider with stock-lending revenue can make a difference in fund returns.  (WSJ)

Is a push into mutual funds going to change the way hedge funds do business?  (Economist)

Emerging markets as a prime example of the difference between arithmetic and geometric returns.  (designing better futures)

Is infrastructure a distinct asset class that can be captured by an ETF?  (Random Roger)

Coming soon to China:  fair value calculations for equity index futures.  (Marketwatch)

Noted short seller Jim Chanos thinks China Inc. is the new Enron.  (NYTimes also Clusterstock)

James Altucher thinks Microsoft (MSFT) is a natural buyer of AOL (AOL).  (Financial Adviser)

Do big pharmaceutical mergers do anything to accelerate drug development?  (Atlantic Business)

The banks just can’t win in a post-TARP world.  (Deal Journal)

Is Tim Geithner in trouble?  (FT Alphaville, DJ Market Talk, Business Insider)

Should you feel bad by walking away from an underwater mortgage?  (NYTimes also Business Insider, Felix Salmon)

What happens when the Fed stops buying mortgage- backed securities?  (Calculated Risk)

Bank bonus season is coming.  Get ready for the outrage.  (24/7 Wall St., Baseline Scenario)

Is the non-farm payrolls number indicative of a double-dip for the economy?  (Economix also Calculated Risk, Curious Capitalist, Bespoke, EconomPic Data)

What are we to make of the downward trend in youth labor force participation rates?  (macroblog)

Is Iceland the tip of the iceberg for sovereign defaults?  (Economist)

Some new quant-oriented blogs.  (MarketSci Blog)

Ranking economics bloggers based on their “scholarly impact.”  (Blogmetrics via Mankiw Blog)

On the similarities between professional athletes and bankers.  In short, both are overpaid.  (Baseline Scenario)

Pundits aren’t all that hot in predicting NFL performance. (kottke)

How is the Internet changing the way you think?  (Edge via Arts & Letters Daily)

Abnormal Returns is a proud member of the StockTwits Network.

This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.

The commentary in this “post” (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Ritholtz Wealth Management employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Ritholtz Wealth Management LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Ritholtz Wealth Management or performance returns of any Ritholtz Wealth Management Investments client.

References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others.

Please see disclosures here.

Please see the Terms & Conditions page for a full disclaimer.