Predictions 2009

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The Year That Was...

Wall Street In Crisis
Bear Stearns. Lehman Brothers. Merrill Lynch. AIG. The dominoes fall, as the credit crunch drives a major reconfiguration of the Wall Street landscape.
Fannie-Freddie Takeover
After months of speculation, the government seizes control of the two mortgage finance giants in an aggressive move to revive the US housing market.
Politics: Obama Wins
Democratic Senator Barack Obama scores an impressive presidential victory only to face an even bigger battle against a recession and a credit crunch.

Jerry Bowyer
The credit dam will break, the recession will end and the Obama administration will spend "a mountain of money on infrastructure."
Vince Farrell
The benefits of lower oil prices will be offset by rising joblessness, the Bush tax cuts won't be repealed and new bank debt issuance will prevent much new lending.
Greg Valliere
Government medicine for the markets and economy kicks in, taxes come down before they go up and Congress goes slow on big, new programs.

A New Direction
President-elect Barack Obama’s economic policies took center stage during his Presidential campaign. CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo reports.
Executives Under Fire
As the meltdown on Wall Street spread and companies fell apart, CEOs were put in the hot seat.
The Decoupling Theory Loses Steam
Emerging markets were one of the worst performers in 2008, proof that foreign countries are still affected by the U.S. economy.
Global Markets Took a Tumble
They used to be viewed of as an investing bright spot, however, foreign markets couldn’t avoid major sell-offs in 2008.
Failures and Bailouts
Bank failures, mergers and bailouts dominated the banking industry in 2008. Take a look back at the historic changes in the industry.
Road to the Housing Crisis
Foreclosure rates hit their highest levels in 30 years in 2008. Take a look at the housing industry's tumultuous year.
The Credit Market's Deep Freeze
The credit freeze in 2008 nearly shut down lending in the auto, housing and banking sectors.

A Prescription For Opportunity?
The health care industry will likely see many changes in 2009 under President-elect Barack Obama. CNBC’s Bertha Coombs reports.
Road to Recovery?
After a dismal year, the Big Three are hoping to rebound in 2009. CNBC’s Phil Lebeau reports.
No Pain, No Gain for Sports Biz
Insight on how hard the financial crisis will hit the sports business world in 2009, with CNBC's Darren Rovell.
Seeking Shelter from the Housing Crisis
After a year of record foreclosures, sliding home prices and rising inventory, CNBC’s Diana Olick takes a look ahead at the housing market in 2009.
Shopping for a Recovery
Retailers are bracing for another challenging year, reports CNBC's Margaret Brennan.
Financials Fight for Relief
A look at what's ahead for the bruised and battered banks, with CNBC's Mary Thompson.
New President, New Opportunities
The nine biggest issues awaiting President-elect Obama, with CNBC's John Harwood.
Tech to the Rescue
Tech stocks could be the first to recover in the market downturn, with CNBC's Jim Goldman.
Fueling the Energy Sector
A look at what will fuel the market next year, with CNBC's Sharon Epperson.

Our bloggers weigh in on the new year

Julia Boorstin: Media Money
Media giants think big, movie studios think safe, music labels find a new model and social networks find advertising dollars.
Patti Domm: Market Insider
Volatility remains the rule, the recession and credit crunch drag on and "uncharted territory" becomes the go-figure buzzword.
Jim Goldman: Tech Check
Look for two high-profile deals, surprises from Apple and Facebook and a snapback for big names oversold in the 2008 bloobath.
Mike Huckman: Pharma's Market
M&A fever runs big and small, beware of price controls and two new blockbuster drugs may hit the market.
Dennis Kneale: The Big Picture
Brace for the glimmerings of a comeback in confidence, so look for a corporate smashup, a new look Goldman Sachs and a new bubble.
Phil LeBeau: Behind The Wheel
Big three, big two or big bust? Detroit's survival instincts will be tested, SUV sales will rebound and green cars will take off.
Diana Olick: Realty Check
Foreclosures will continue to rise without an effective plan, sales of existing homes will recover and a major builder will go belly up.
Darren Rovell: Sports Biz
Expect a big year for sports team sales, an NBA title for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers and a stunning move from the Olympic committee.