If you could only have 10-15 stocks to invest in what would they be?

Question

If you could only have 10-15 stocks to invest in what would they be?

Answer 1

see the market n decide urself.

Answer 2

That is one way to build a watch list. Not one I'd use, but more power to you.

Answer 3

1) CHK

2) X

3) COP

4) MDRX

5)MRK

6)COST

7)XTO

8) MO

9) CTL

10) MTL

Answer 4

This is a question every investor should be asking him/herself at least every 4 months since the answer could  be continually changing.   The answer also might change depending on the type of account the stocks are in.  Stocks in an IRA account would not necessarily be the same as those outside of an IRA account because of the different tax implications.  

Certainly at least one of the 10 should be an energy company.  There are several that might fit the bill.  CHK,  DVN,  APA, APC, COP

One should be a medical company since the growth prospects are very good.  A couple that come to mind are BDX and SYK.  I am not too keen on the  drug companies.  Too much uncertainty there but JNJ would be a possibility.

For the more venturesome, one might be a speculation in alternate energy such as solar power.  A couple that come to mind are STP and TSL.  

A technology holding should be considered.  Several choices are GLW,  ORCL,  IBM, CAJ

With all the hype about the shortage of food,  DE might be a consideration.  Hard to grow food without tractors.

MMM has always be a favorite as has NSRGY.  Both are worth owning.  Since they fall into different market sectors there is no overlap by owning both.  

The railroads could come out the big winners of high oil prices.  Since there are only 5 to choose from, the selection is not overwhelming.  My pick?  UNP or BNI or NSC sort of in that order.

Last on the list is a closed end fund.  GAM   This has had a long and productive track record.  15% annual return since 1979 but it has been in existance since 1928.   The record of returns before 1979 is lost in oblivion.