Personal Finance Daily: 2011 leaves investors with mixed results

Personal Finance Daily DECEMBER 30, 2011 2011 leaves investors with mixed results By MarketWatch Don't miss these top stories: Stock-fund, ETF investors look for a better 2012 Bond investors staying put for 2012 Rent deposit dispute may mean small-claims court Charting how home prices are moved by rates, city It's been a tough year, not to mention decade, for many investors, but some areas of the market saw 2011 gains despite extreme volatility and other headwinds. Certainly, the final tally for the year is looking decidedly mixed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) appears ready to end the year up about 6%, while the S&P 500 Index is clinging to a 0.1% gain and the Nasdaq (COMP) is set to log its first annual loss in three years. See Market Snapshot. But if you were among those investors who focused on dividend-paying stocks, you might be feeling OK about 2011, as Jonathan Burton writes today in Weekend Investor. Read his story for a look at how mutual funds performed in 2011, and which sectors are likely to excel in 2012. Plus, don't miss all of MarketWatch's 2011 review and 2012 outlook, including stories on international stock funds, bond funds and commodities. Here's wishing you and yours all the very best in 2012! — Andrea Coombes , Personal Finance editor Stock-fund, ETF investors look for a better 2012 The first year after the "lost decade" for U.S. stocks was also lost. And there's wariness that 2012, while ultimately positive for the overall market, will create more investment obstacles than opportunities. Read more: Stock-fund, ETF investors look for a better 2012. Rent deposit dispute may mean small-claims court When a real-estate agent or landlord won't refund a security deposit, the tenant's only recourse may be small-claims court. Read more: Rent deposit dispute may mean small-claims court. ECONOMY & POLITICS Charting how home prices are moved by rates, city The week's data shows mortgage rates and house prices on the way down but transactions on the way up. Also, jobless claims rose but held below a key level. See charts: Charting how home prices are moved by rates, city. Iowa caucuses: 5 things to watch Iowans head to the polls in the nation's first caucuses on Tuesday to begin winnowing the field of would-be Republican challengers to President Barack Obama. Here are five things to watch after caucuses begin at 7 p.m. Central. Read more: Iowa caucuses: 5 things to watch. New Year's resolutions for Uncle Sam If Uncle Sam could make resolutions, here's what they should be. Read more: New Year's resolutions for Uncle Sam. INVESTING Bond mutual funds could defy gravity again in 2012 Bond investors and fund managers are jittery and their wait-and-see stance looks to be mildly supportive for stretching 2011's government bond rally into at least the early part of 2012. Read more: Bond mutual funds could defy gravity again in 2012. How international stock funds could profit in 2012 For international-stock investors, the year 2012 is akin to a hurricane a few hundred miles away. Everyone knows a direct hit will be deadly, but hopes the blow can be softened by better leadership, preparedness — and a bit of luck. Read more: How international stock funds could profit in 2012. Bond investors staying put for 2012: Schwab As 2011 gives way to 2012, small-fry investors seem just worried enough to eschew the idea of a lot of changes to their portfolios. But there are various fixed-income alternatives that could prove attractive, in the view of a Schwab strategist. Read more: Bond investors staying put for 2012. Ready or not, investors, here comes a new year For all the volatility and uncertainty that investors in U.S. stock and bond mutual funds encountered in 2011, the year actually turned out better than it would have seemed six months ago. Read more: Ready or not, investors, here comes a new year. U.S. stocks end mixed year with a whimper Wall Street virtually flat in the final trading day of the year as investors keep Europe's troubles in view. Read more: U.S. stocks end mixed year with a whimper. S&P 500 returns to critical 1,260 level The bulls seem to have everything going their way in the near term but if they can't get a clear upside breakout soon, that would be very bearish. Read more: S&P 500 returns to critical 1,260 level. Commodities falter in 2011, hold promise in 2012 The commodities market was a big disappointment in 2011, with only a few of the major commodities ready to post sizable gains for the year, but some were surprisingly resilient. Read more: Commodities falter in 2011, hold promise in 2012. Get the latest news on our mobile site: http://www.marketwatch.com/m MarketWatch has sent you this newsletter because you signed up to receive it. 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