Topic: A. Gary Shilling & Co.

Ten sectors investors should avoid in 2012

Investors beware: If you want big returns this year, don't put your money in developing countries, banks, or homes (including yours).

Where to invest for 2012? Nine themes.

Investors will have to navigate a global recession in 2012. Here are nine investment themes that offer the best opportunities for profit.

Oil prices will rise as supplies tighten? Hardly.

Oil prices, which fell below $97 a barrel on Monday, are not poised to surge in the long run because long-term production is declining. Better technology and, if needed, higher oil prices mean the long predicted peak in oil production is a long way off. 

Forecast for 2012: recession, but not a Great Recession

Recession will last the year, but it will be shorter and much shallower than the Great Recession.

America's one sure thing: the dollar

Don't worry about the international status of the dollar. The US dollar will be the world's reserve currency for decades to come.

Will the US become another Japan?

The differences between the US and Japan are great, but expect a Japan-like lengthy period of slow growth and deflation as America works down its debts

Europe's debt woes threaten eurozone – and the US

Europe's debt woes will lead to further declines in the euro and European stocks. The risk to the US? Its banks.

Oh no! Another recession?

The possibility of a recession this year or next is rising because growth is so weak. Weak growth makes the economy more vulnerable to shocks.

The commodities bubble is about to burst

With more evidence that China's economy might face a hard landing, much of the momentum for commodities is starting to subside

Housing prices will fall another 20 percent

Housing prices, once on the rebound, are falling again. Inventories of unsold homes mean housing prices will remain weak for years.

Japan's debt earthquake is rumbling

A fragile recovery – and five shocks that threaten it

This recovery isn't nearly as robust as previous upturns. Japan, Libya, and other crises could undercut it.

Watch out for a hard landing in China

China's economy looks strong, but its policy tools are crude and it's still too dependent on exports. A hard landing this year is likely.

Not much stimulus from tax-cut deal

How much did the $862 billion stimulus package really help? Will the new tax cuts make any difference?

ECONOMIC SCENE: US living standards may languish even after recession

Sluggish growth could last for decades, economists say.

Recession is a given. Can we avoid depression?

Economists wonder if the Bush administration is ideologically inclined to do what's needed to rescue economy.