For everyone who wants to get 2008 behind them as soon as humanly possible, you've got just one more day to get through. And what better way to look forward to a more prosperous New Year than to see which stock has been crowned the best stock for 2009?
To help you make your shopping list, we looked at 14 great prospects that look likely to survive and thrive in the challenging economic environment we're facing right now. But rather than just picking one ourselves, we turned to our Motley Fool CAPS community to separate the best from the rest.
Judging from the results, investors put a premium on the bluest of blue chips for the coming year. And in the end, we had one of the closest races we've ever had for the top spot.
Honorable mention
Three stocks fell just short of cracking the top three. Pfizer
A love/hate relationship with tobacco
Third place goes to tobacco giant Altria
Don't turn out the lights yet
Falling just short of the top spot was conglomerate General Electric
This winner doesn't need a Band-Aid
With 17.7% of the vote, winner Johnson & Johnson
All of our selections got strong support, including those that didn't make the top six. Are you part of our 125,000-strong Motley Fool CAPS community yet? Head on over and pick one of our top selections for your portfolio. It's free, but the experience you gain could be priceless, Fool.
Here's to a profitable 2009!