10 best stocks for 2011
Investors' fears that a bear market will return (and linger) has made for some bargains - and this group should thrive even if inflation returns.
Opportunity in growth stocks
Despite a gain of more than 10% in the S&P 500 over the past three months, there's still a real buying opportunity in growth stocks: Our 10 best for 2011 are expected to bolster their profits an average of 61% next year -- vs. 14% for the S&P -- and yet they trade at an average 12 times next year's earnings, vs. 13 times for the S&P.
Our selections this year are slanted toward commodities. Exposure to oil, chemicals, and fertilizer should provide protection against a falling dollar or an outbreak of a 1970s-style rise in inflation, which we think is a bigger threat than a double-dip recession. (We've also made some contrarian selections, including one housing-related stock.)
NEXT: Mosaic
Last updated December 20 2010: 2:27 PM ET
All stock prices as of Nov. 30; price/earnings ratios based on estimated 2011 earnings.
