2) UK experiences unrest and volatility as its banking sector implodes under its own weight. 3) Volatility increases in US market, but dollar strengthens against Euro as a shelter currency. 4) Doubts about robustness of the Chinese market continue and increase but nothing shakes out. 5) US and Iranian saber-rattling continues until at some point a empty treaty is reached that allows both sides to pretend they won concessions from the other. 6) Economic growth continues to stagnate but economists find some way to spin any number as a victory. Expect to hear the phrase "structural unemployment" a lot. 7) US re-elects Obama but gives House and Senate to the Republicans. Gridlock continues. 8) "Occupy" movement branches out into squatting in foreclosed homes, which becomes a sticky issue for all sides. 9) Gold bubble bursts as the world recognizes that it ends not with a bang but a whimper. 10) Rupert Murdoch forced to resign as chairman of News Corporation. 11) Another major paper goes online-only or under. 12) Warren Buffett loses a raft of money.
1. GE 2. Microsoft 3. Godman Sachs 4. Caterpiller Inc 5. Disney I could see #3 taking a hit but the rest seem stable long term bets imo.
On a related note: One of my friends owns a jewelry store. He hasn't made much in jewelry sales over the past year or two, because of the economy. Every week he buys a little gold here and there and sells it the next week when the price is higher. This has kept his lights on for the last 6 months.