Stock Tips for 2015

As many of you have been wondering, there are a few investment tips in terms of your options for choice of stocks for 2015.

Unlike last year, the gains for stocks won't be as widespread; however, that doesn't take away from the fact that a wise approach needs to be taken toward your investment, and a key strategy needs to be enforced.

The main strategy, according to kiplinger.com., is to "select the right companies in the right markets", and it goes further by giving its "Top 25" in terms of the best possible options for investment in stocks.

I'll give you at least the Top 5, and I'd love your feedback as to whether you agree with these options, what your picks are for 2015, and also some valuable tips that you'd like to share for future and current stock investments.

So, what are your tips?!

 

We're nearly half way through the year. Isn't it a bit late for tips for 2015? Brokers start putting together their year-ahead tips around November time, so as it stands we're about as close to banks giving us their 2016 tips as we were to receiving the 2015....

But given that we've got to get the summer out the way, the possibilities of a rate hike in September, the unraveling of the Greek story, and whether the China market will blow up in our faces, it's probably way too early for anyone to want to start guessing for next year.

 

Yeah more like need tips for the 2nd half of 2015.
I'd say one of the big players is: cash.

Something could happen with the rate hikes, something WILL happen with Greece and as always there are a number of things that are much more unlikely, certain things that we don't even think about, that might just have a huge effect on the markets. I think there will be many good buying opportunities before 2015 is over.

 

I tend to agree - something's going to happen, whether it's just a self-fulfilling Sept/Oct sell off I'm not entirely sure. But there just seem to be a few big ducks lining up in a row at the moment. Chasing the markets now is riskier than waiting a bit is my view.

 

Thanks for your responses!

Of course it would be best to have tips for the 2nd half of 2015, but a good dose of some reinforced advice never hurt anyone, yes?
I think, as all have said, we must definitely prepare for some likely changes, including the rate hikes, which might hit some of us like a curb ball.

I just realized I hadn't given you the Top 5 as promised, so here they are (for those who will find them useful):

1. Charles Schwab (with a trade fee of $8.95, and an ongoing promotion of earning 500 commission-free trades)
2. Options House (trade fees at $4.95, and promtion: trade free for 60 days)
3. E Trade ($9.99; promo: trade free for 60 days)
4. Scottrade ($7; promo: get up to $100 for transfer); and
5. Trade King ($4.95; promo: get $1000 in commission-free trades)

If you find these helpful, then I'd say you're best option for the rest of the year (and also to buffer yourself from the inevitable "crashes") is to "cash-in" on the best of these deals asap, so that you can experience the benefit before it's too late.
PS. My personal picks are Charles Schwab and Trade King, as I'm a lover of commission-free trades, especially of that amount, and the rates are attractive as well...not to mention their consistency. I don't see a crash coming here).

Let me know what you think!

 

Oh wise and honorable JR, teach me your ways!

 

I don't know where the rankings come from, but I would suggest Fidelity shouldn't be overlooked if you are shopping for a broker. I don't think the choice of a broker should be based solely on order fees but, that said, Fidelity has $7.95 trades with a promotion of up to a year's free commissions.

We moved our IRA, brokerage and banking accounts from Schwab (10+ years a customer) to Fidelity three years ago and haven't looked back. Some personal observations in no particular order: (1) Schwab offers seminars at local offices, Fidelity has webinars. (2) I use an Android phone and tablet virtually exclusively, rather than a Wintel PC, and prefer the Fidelity mobile app. (3) IMHO Fidelity banking is better integrated than Schwab that separates brokerage and business web sites and statements. (4) Schwab has an extensive online bulletin board community, Fidelity does not.

Regulations force commonality in many business core areas, so it's up to you to evaluate your "wants" against each firm's products and customized services. Your wants and needs are most likely different than mine. HTH. YMMV.

 

Well said JR! Every serious investor here should print that on poster and put it up on the wall of their office. Like tactics vs. strategy, no one can really advise you on individual decisions, and success can only build off a long-term vision.

 

I've read some of the comments above and have my theories for companies that would provide good hedges and diversification to weather, if not improve a portfolio with a Fed rate increase:

Insurance companies: I've heard it quoted that insurance company values will increase when interest rates rise. Don't know the reason why but it seems pretty well accepted. Even if it's not true and its just the "perception", I think insurance companies that have solid fundamentals will provide great opportunities. Some of my examples are Ace Limited (Ticker: ACE) and Travellers (TRV).

Entertainment Companies: I've noticed that no matter how bad my friends or family are financially, they tell me they have to get out of the house and do something. One friend said no matter what, he's going to see Star Wars when it comes out in theaters even if his wallet is running on fumes. I think movies and entertainment options are ingrained in Americans. We can't go without it and even in the hard times, we are willing to pay a premium. However, only one entertainment company I feel fits the bill of a company with good fundamentals and a good moat against competition: Disney.

Defense Companies: US government is spending more and more money on defense. Whether the Democrats or the Republicans are in office, defense spending will not significantly decrease anytime soon. It may shift YoY, but the military will always need equipment and more stuff. My pick for this is Lockheed Martin (LMT) based on the approval of the F-15 fighters and their recent intend to acquire Sikorsky.

Again, these are my theories but happy to have someone punch holes in them. Also, I've heard it quoted a lot that insurance companies will benefit from the rate hike. When people say it to me in person, I've asked why and shrugs are my answer. Wondering if this is actually true?