What's your take on how 2012 will shape up?

I am feeling relatively good about 2012, and here are myprognostications for the year ahead: With Iowa behind us, electionyear kicks into high gear, and we will be barraged by the Left andthe Right, but not a peep from the center. I harbor the hope thatthis election will ultimately find an effective center, where ourgovernment operates at its best. The euro crisis will fade into thebackground as the EU makes hard decisions and establishes a wayforward. Employment will show respectable gains, still not anywherenear pre-recession levels. The Dow will crack 13,000. I sense thatthe "Bear" is heading back into hibernation, and equity marketswill begin a steady, long run. Alas, real estate will lag therecovery, but this is not unusual. The stage is being set for aslow and steady rebound that will gather steam later this year, andhiring activity will follow suit. I am confident that 2012 will bea good year, and one that heralds a calming of the choppywaters.

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