It's interesting, though not necessarily profitable, to argue about whether the bear market is over. But learning to evaluate stocks and calculate target prices could pay.
Editor's note: After 12 years of writing two columns a week for MSN Money and beating the market soundly with his Jubak's Picks portfolio, Jim Jubak is taking a well-deserved break. His column is going on hiatus while Jim prepares himself for the next bull market. Over the years, Jim has developed a devoted readership numbering in the millions. An independent report by Nielsen NetRatings found that he was far and away the most widely read investing columnist -- No. 1 on the Web. I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Jim well. If you have any thoughts that you would like me to pass along to him, you can send them here. As always, I welcome your comments on this or any other aspect of MSN Money. -- Richard Jenkins, editor-in-chief, MSN Money
| Index | 3-month | 1-year | 3-year | 5-year | From Inception* | Avg. Annual Return* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | -3.6% | -33.9% | -16.2% | 47.5% | 204% | 9.37% |
| Nasdaq | -3.1% | -32.8% | -34.3% | -25.1% | 21% | 1.61% |
| S&P | -11% | -38.1% | -38.3% | -33.1% | 2% | 0.17% |
| Dow | -13.3% | -38.0% | -31.5% | -26.5% | 12% | 0.95% |
Here’s what readers have to say:
Totals through Dec. 31, 2008. Chart updated quarterly. Last portfolio update: April 21, 2009. You can track how the individual stocks are doing here. *Jim Jubak launched this portfolio on May 7, 1997. Average annual return is the annual average compound rate of return for the portfolio calculated from inception.
Please note that Jubak's Picks recommendations are for a 12- to 18-month time horizon. For suggestions to help navigate the treacherous interest-rate environment see Jim's Dividend stocks for income investors. For picks with a truly long-term perspective, see the Future Fantastic 50 Portfolio or The Jubak's Picks 50 Best from Jim's new book "The Jubak Picks."
| Name | Symbol | Pick / Drop | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepsico Inc | PEP | Pick | 4/21/2009 |
| WR Berkley Capital 6.750% Trust Originated Pref Shs 26/07/20 | WRB-A | Pick | 2/13/2009 |
| McDonald's Corp | MCD | Pick | 1/13/2009 |
| USB Capital VIII | USB-G | Drop | 4/16/2009 |
| Petroleo Brasileiro ADR Reptg 2 Ord Shs | PBR | Drop | 4/10/2009 |
| Gorman-Rupp Co | GRC | Drop | 3/20/2009 |
