Features of the week

What's happening with the dollar, Asian currencies, and the Gulf (GCC) currencies? How does $100 oil fit in with the falling US dollar? Will the US economy and consumer spending power through higher energy prices, or will an impending bear market in US stocks signal a weaker economy ahead?

The answers to these questions are here, in our, "Features of the week".

1. The stock market closed higher on Friday, with the DJIA rallying to 12980.88 in a holiday-shortened trading session.

Holiday shoppers are out in force. But watch out for that Dow Theory sell signal, which could foreshadow a coming bear market.

2. Gulf parties over $100 oil, and wonders it what to do about its currencies.

3. Investors Khiem Do and Jim Rogers discuss the strength of Asian currencies and the recent weakness in the US dollar.

4. Gold shares may beat bullion, says investor Trevor Steel, of Baker Steel Capital Management.

5. Jim Wyckoff thinks the Countinuous Commodity Index (CCI) charts might be signaling a coming correction in the commodity markets.

6. The Continuous Commodity Index (CCI) explained.

7. Are we finally beginning to see a decline in the art market?

8. Carbon capitalists grab gas from pig waste.

9. Three steps to protect your investment funds.

10. Scenes from Zimbabwe's hyperinflation. Hat tip to Mises blog.

11. The future of the commodity price boom, an Austrian perspective.

12. Ron Paul expects to raise $12 million in the 4th quarter. Here's a recent clip of Ron Paul on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Thanks for reading, and remember to bookmark Finance Trends Matter. Enjoy your weekend.