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Reviewing 2008, Predicting 2009

The Fool looks back at the year that was, and ahead to the year to be.

By Katrina Chan – Updated Apr 5, 2017 at 7:50PM EST

You might look back at 2008 and say, "That year did what?!" Or maybe 2008 will become The Year That Must Not Be Named. Sure, 2008 was definitely memorable -- but when it comes to your portfolio, 2008 will probably not be among your fondest recollections.

For many investors and companies, 2008 was disastrous. Individual investors have seen their portfolios and retirement accounts take a horrendous beating. Consumer confidence is dropping, and foreclosures are mounting. Meanwhile, what started off as government intervention into JPMorgan Chase's (NYSE:JPM) purchase of Bear Stearns has ignited a stream of companies clamoring for government dollars.

Now, everyone from General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Citigroup (NYSE:C) to AIG and Fannie Mae has received bailout funds from the government. Heck, even farm-equipment maker Deere (NYSE:DE) and conglomerate General Electric (NYSE:GE) have received backing on their debt. Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), and American Express (NYSE:AXP) even took the extreme measure of becoming bank holding companies, just to tap into government-allocated dollars. Wow -- who could have predicted that? And where do consumers sign up?

Spare some change for 2009?
2009 may or may not bring change. While many are hopeful that the arrival of a new U.S. president will improve matters, many more cannot deny the financial problems plaguing our country and the world. Depending on whom you talk or listen to, 2009 could be the year of opportunity, or the year of more financial doom and gloom.

Fools, we prefer to be optimistic. Tanking stock prices have left massive companies at undervalued prices not seen in years. With careful research and a few lessons from the mistakes of 2008, you can come out on top in 2009.

During the month of December, we've been reviewing 2008 and forecasting what 2009 will bring. You can see all of our coverage below. And stay tuned in 2009, as we'll continue to bring you your daily dose of Foolish analysis.

Cheers to a New Year and a fresh financial start!

Investing Lessons of 2008:

2008 in review:

Predictions for 2009:

Read Next

Katrina Chan owns no shares of any of the companies mentioned. American Express is an Inside Value recommendation. JPMorgan Chase is an Income Investor pick. The Motley Fool owns shares of American Express. The Fool's disclosure policy is ready to bring on a new year with noisemakers and champagne.

Stocks Mentioned

American Express Stock Quote
American Express
NYSE: AXP
$301.74
(-1.39%)-$4.25
Citigroup Stock Quote
Citigroup
NYSE: C
$105.50
(-3.38%)-$3.69
JPMorgan Chase Stock Quote
JPMorgan Chase
NYSE: JPM
$282.59
(-1.72%)-$4.93
Goldman Sachs Group Stock Quote
Goldman Sachs Group
NYSE: GS
$786.87
(-4.48%)-$36.90
Morgan Stanley Stock Quote
Morgan Stanley
NYSE: MS
$154.17
(-4.18%)-$6.72
GE Aerospace Stock Quote
GE Aerospace
NYSE: GE
$306.49
(-5.74%)-$18.66
General Motors Stock Quote
General Motors
NYSE: GM
$73.45
(-1.79%)-$1.34
Deere & Company Stock Quote
Deere & Company
NYSE: DE
$585.83
(-1.38%)-$8.21

*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

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