20 great stocks to buy in 2008 (BS Smart Investor Team)
20 great stocks to buy in 2008 (BS Smart Investor Team) S tock selection will be the key factor in determining returns in 2008, given concerns of a global slowdown and premium valuations in domestic markets. Year 2007 saw the market deliver good returns amidst volatility, especially in the second half, thanks to global concerns. The BSE Sensex was up a good 46.6 per cent, helped by strong foreign and domestic inflows. And what led to these inflows was none other than a strong performance by India Inc. For investors, the moot question is how will 2008 be? The answer is not simple given that none of the global concerns have eased, while the Indian rupee is still firm and India Inc is experiencing a deceleration in growth rates. "Year 2008 will be difficult globally, although it is not yet known how deep the US downturn will be," says Andrew Holland, managing director -- strategic risk group, DSP Merrill Lynch. While India's vulnerability to global shocks has been put to tes