For christmas, I asked for some cash to put toward investments in stocks. I have money in bonds and mutual funds, and I really want to get in the market. Now, I know it's volatile, but I want to know what I should look for in a stock. I dont want to hear any individual stocks, please. I want to hear:1. Should I go for secular or cyclical? 2. Which sector is expected to be strong in 2008?3. What type of stock can weather through the storm that could be a 2008 recession?

My Opinion - Questions 2, and 3 = the same answer = COMMUNITY BANKS .

Health Services should weather out the storm.

1. Cyclical is easier to see trends2. Consumer goods, personal products. Look for majority of profits/revenue from outside US3. Lowest P/E, best cash flow, lowest debt company from sector and criteria above.

Don't go for stocks. Since the stock market is not going so well, overseas investments would be the best choice.Starting a small business would be the way to go if you have time.Alternatively try to invest in someones business. You may receive up to 20% guaranteed interest a year. You will not get such high guaranteed returns on stocks, mutual funds, bonds or CD's. If you invest $10,000 at 20% annual interest rate, you will get back $24,883.20 in 5 years. I run my own business and my net profit is over 5% a month.Email me at investment4us@hotmail.com and I'll give you a valuable advice if you are serious about investing. Please don't forget to mention your nickname and question at Y.A.Best of luck!

Don't invest anything until after January, things are going to go down for a little while in the spring as it historically does.Banks, oil, and gold are always safe bets.