Take Advantage of a Market Reversal

In sum, while there is plenty to fret about in the long term, in the short term there are some potential mood-lifters on the horizon that could bring brave bargain-hunters back into stocks. For some ideas, we can turn, as always, to StockScouter.

The 50 picks in our January benchmark portfolio are up 5.4% as a group so far this year, or more than five times better than the market, on the back of successful recommendations of Hawaii-based oil and land conglomerate Barnwell Industries(BRN Quote), up 49%; energy services provider Todco(THE Quote), up 45%; and Gulf of Mexico oil and gas explorer Energy Partners(EPL Quote), up 34%.

The latest benchmark portfolio continues to highlight energy names, but it also mixes in some retailers. Some of the top recommendations for the next six months are pipeline provider Holly Energy Partners(HEP Quote), LL&E Royalty Trust(LRT Quote), driller Rowan(RDC Quote), retailer American Eagle Outfitters(AEOS Quote), children's clothing maker OshKosh B'Gosh(GOSHA Quote) and chemical maker American Vanguard(AVD Quote).