'08 stock picks: How low can they go?

We revisited our top 10 picks from last year's Investor's Guide. Hopefully history will prove us right in the long run.

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A look back
A look back
We were overdue.

For three consecutive years, the top stock picks in the Fortune Investor's Guide had trounced the Standard & Poor's 500, and we felt good about our chances for a four-peat heading into 2008

It was not to be. Through December 17th, our 10 "Best stocks for 2008" recorded an average total return of -36% versus -37% for the S&P 500. Not only did we underestimate the depth of the financial crisis but we were blindsided by the collapse in oil prices.

Here's a complete rundown on all 10 of picks from the 2008 Investor's Guide and whether we think they're still keepers for 2009.

By Jon Birger, senior writer

NEXT: Annaly Capital Management
Last updated December 22 2008: 10:11 AM ET
Note: Starting date for all total return data is 12/3/07, except Genentech, which is 12/5/07.
Investor's Guide
10 stocks to buy now
10 stocks to buy now
We're mired in the grizzliest bear market in decades. But the good news is that stocks have been marked down to holiday-sale levels. Here are ten stocks we think are poised for strong returns in 2009 and beyond. More
5 funds for 2009
5 funds for 2009
Even the best managers lost money in 2008. But these five funds have seasoned managers who have trounced their peers over extended periods, fees and expenses a miser could love, and cash on hand to exploit today's bargain prices. More
Should you jump in now?
Should you jump in now?
Ignore, for a minute, the turmoil in the business world. If you have the time (say, six years) and patience, you may want to carefully consider the markets. More
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