Top Ten: Weekend reads: What’s ahead for the stock market after that brutal first half of 2022

This post was originally published on this site

The first half of 2022 marked a big change for investors and consumers, as inflation reared its ugly head. It was the worst start of the year for U.S. stocks since 1970. William Watts looks back at previous first-half bear markets and you might be surprised to see what happened afterward — every time.

Meanwhile, Joseph Adinolfi reminds investors to keep an eye on the bond market, which is flashing a warning sign.

Here are some more looks ahead now that we’re halfway through 2022:

Roubini sees it getting much worse

Nouriel Roubini argues that central bankers won’t have the nerve to stay the course when fighting inflation, leading to this gloomy outcome.

Can you really be a contrarian investor?


Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sometimes it seems as if everyone claims to be a contrarian. Mark Hulbert explains what it really means to go against the grain and how that thinking can also provide a hint for when the bear market will end.

More from Mark Hulbert:

A contrarian investment call


Getty Images

Conventional wisdom is that a combination of higher demand and low capital investment by oil producers supports an extended period of high profits for the energy industry. But Zach Stein recommends investors sell Exxon Mobil and other oil stocks right now. Here’s why.

Do you believe the housing market is cooling off?


MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto

Interest rates on 30-year mortgage loans have nearly doubled during 2022, making homes even more difficult to afford. These housing markets are most at risk.

On the other hand: Real-estate agents describe chaotic bidding wars in New York City’s red-hot rental market

Dividend stocks screened by a very experienced investor


Getty Images

Lewis Altfest has had a long career managing money for private clients. Here are some of his words of wisdom and his suggestions for a screen of dividend stocks for quality.

This supply shortage may finally be coming to an end

Therese Poletti reads across the semiconductor industry in the wake of a dour forecast from Micron.

Consider some different investment strategies


Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

It’s easy and cheap to use an index fund to track the performance of the S&P 500. But it may not be the best strategy for you. Paul Merriman takes a trip through time to see how the S&P 500 has stacked up with four other broad strategies.

Another look ahead — for people on Social Security

Here’s how much you can expect your Social Security payments to go up in 2023.

Prepare yourself — learn about Medicare before you need it

Here’s what Medicare doesn’t cover.

How about 210 Big Macs with your Tour de France?

This year’s Tour de France has begun.


Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

John Eric Goff, a sports physicist, breaks down some shocking numbers about how much power — and how much food — it takes a world-class athlete to compete in the Tour de France.

Want more from MarketWatch? Sign up for this and other newsletters, and get the latest news, personal finance and investing advice.