Entering text into the input field will update the search result below

10 Stocks For 2013

Dec. 23, 2012 5:50 AM ETAZN, TTE, PEG, NTT, MSFT, NSC, GD, AFL, TSCDY, WBA24 Comments
Difu Wu profile picture
Difu Wu
577 Followers

Despite the European debt crisis, emerging market slowdown, and uncertainties over a so-called "fiscal cliff" in the U.S., the S&P returned 13.7% in 2012 (through Dec. 22). With continued improvement in economic conditions, the currently extremely low interest rates, and the Fed's easing policies poised to fuel inflation in the future, the stock market is well positioned to continue its bull run in 2013. In this article, I offer 10 dividend stocks for a conservative portfolio for 2013 and beyond. Although I expect the bull market to continue in 2013, the stock market in general is fairly valued, not undervalued, right now, and is not without downside risk. Hence, my stock picks will focus on defensive names that are large and prominent in their industries, conservatively financed, currently selling at low valuations, and expected to continue to generate predictable, satisfactory returns for many years to come. I chose these 10 stocks from 10 different sectors, so that investors who buy only these stocks will own a well-diversified portfolio.

Before I offer my picks, I shall first review my picks for 2012. My 10 stock picks returned 14.5% in 2012 (through Dec. 22), including dividends, slightly outperforming the S&P 500. My best pick was Harris Corp. (HRS), returning 42.3% for the year. My worst pick was Exelon (EXC), returning -27% for the year. Thankfully, that turned out to be my only losing pick. The other eight had returns ranging from 1.7 to 28%. The full result is shown below.

Performance Details, Jan 2012 to Dec 2012

Symbol Name Annual Return Volatility Avg Correl Period Price Change
AZN Astrazeneca PLC C 9.0% 16.3% 0.46 12/31/11 - 12/22/12 $43.56 to $47.47
WMT Wal-Mart Stores 17.7% 18.3% 0.18 12/31/11 - 12/22/12 $58.32 to $68.65
TOT Total S.A. 7.1% 20.4% 0.34 12/31/11 - 12/22/12

This article was written by

Difu Wu profile picture
577 Followers
My name is Difu Wu. I am an individual investor. I currently live in the US. My investment interests include gold, bonds, dividend stocks, value investing, index funds, small cap stocks, emerging markets, and international stocks. My favorite investment books are Security Analysis, by Graham and Dodd; Intelligent Investor, by Graham; Little Book of Common Sense Investing, by Bogle; Single Best Investment, by Miller; Secret Code of the Superior Investor, by Glassman; One Up on Wall Street, by Lynch. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks!

Recommended For You

Related Stocks

SymbolLast Price% Chg
AZN--
AstraZeneca PLC
TTE--
TotalEnergies SE
PEG--
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated
NTT--
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
MSFT--
Microsoft Corporation

Related Analysis