The books are now closed on the first half of 2008. The stock market during the period has been disappointing for most investors. Major averages fell, while commodities continued their bull run. The S&P 500 finished the first six months of 08 down 12.8 percent, and down nearly 20 percent from its highs, while tech-heavy NASDAQ declined 13.2 percent for the year (the index was flat for the second quarter). 

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