11 for 2011

Here are my 11 predictions for 2011.

Please use the comments section to let me know what you think of my predictions and most importantly add your own predictions for the coming year.

1) The global economic worry of 2010 was the shaky balance sheets of European countries. The global economic worry of 2011 will be the unstable balance sheets of US States.

2) Global tensions will stay in the headlines with Iran, North Korea,  and Pakistan continuing to dominate the news stories however cyber crimes will gain more press as people worry about a debilitating financial attack.

3) The Republicans ran and won in the mid-term elections on the principle of deficit reduction (then pushed for a tax cut that added $700 billion to the deficit???). In 2011 it will become extremely clear that campaign promises will go unfulfilled and they have no serious plan or intention to reduce the deficit.

4) The economic landscape will begin to show real signs of improvements in 2011. Unemployment will remain high but it will be mainly due to new people entering the workforce due to improved prospects. There will be meaningful private sector job creation.

5) The student loan business will be in focus for deceptive practices in the same way the mortgage lenders have been scrutinized recently. Additionally, for-profit colleges will be in the cross-hairs of Washington for increased legislation due to their sales practices.

6) Apple will continue to make major strides in the smartphone and tablet industries. A iPhone for Verizon and a second generation iPad will be the highlights of a stellar 2011. Multiple news stories will focus on corporations and educational institutions utilizing the iPad with great success. No other company will come close to the sales numbers of the iPad with their tablet attempts.

7) 2011 will continue what will be regarded in the future as the "Decade of the App". Buying software a-la-carte will replace the old method and iTunes will lead this category long into the future.

8) With gas prices rising the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf will be major news stories as the electric car becomes a reality in many homes across America.

9) The sports headlines will be dominated by the potential for lockouts in either the NFL or NBA. Sports teams will continue to have difficulty filling seats as the convenience of watching at home in surround sound HDTV trumps the experience of being at the game for many fans.

10) The best place to invest in 2011 will be large-cap, dividend paying, US equities. This group has underperformed recently and it will see a resurgence in 2011.

11) President Obama will see his approval rating rise sharply in 2011. The Republicans will spend the year attempting to find a unifying force to lead them in the 2012 presidential election. Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin's names along with many others will be tossed around but by the end of the year it will be clear that the Republicans have no viable candidate that can deny Obama re-election.