As we edge closer to year-end, I've mapped out some possible reasons why the impending January Effect will be larger than normal, and have also laid out a list of potential tech plays for the new year. Below, in addition to my 18 Themes, I'll wrap it up with my list of non-tech stocks to keep on your radar for 2008:


E-Trade (ETFC): The company has just been crushed. Does everyone think it's going to go bankrupt? I don't think it will, and if it doesn't go under it will probably double or more. If nothing else I think it can move higher once this intense year-end pressure eases. 

Accuray (ARAY): I still think this stock has the best chance to be the next Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), although it's a very tall order. In just a few quarters the backlog has doubled while everything is growing at a great clip as well (except the stock price).

TomoTherapy (TTPY): Another possible "the next ISRG." I don't like this name as much, but it's got good growth and a unique product offering in ARAY and Varian Medical's (VAR) space. 

Sepracor (SEPR): I see a theme here… It's been a rough year for SEPR, but it just raised guidance ending October and it only helped for a couple of days. This is not, as some people think, a one trick pony. 

Horsehead Holding (ZINC): This is a recent IPO, very cheap, and a commodity play that I think could run again until mid-year. 

First Horizon National (FHN): This company is a regional bank in Tennessee and surrounding states. Like Fifth Third Bancorp (see below), FITB increased its loss reserves recently but the stock is so washed out it didn't cause much additional selling pressure. We get another 50 bps or more at the discount window, and these are the kinds of names that could really recover.

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB): See FHN 

National City Corporation (NCC): See FHN and FITB. Actually, many off-coast regional banks could make this list. 

Discover Financial Services (DFS): Discover Card just reported a pretty strong growth quarter. It had writedowns that were already disclosed but the stock got hit a little more anyway. If I had a list of stocks that could see the greatest share price gains in 2008, this could be on that list. DFS probably has the toughest qualifying standards of any credit card issuer and, therefore, it should not be assumed that the company will face the same credit losses that many other consumer lending companies are facing. 

Toll Brothers (TOL): I think this homie could have a good run next year, and it may just start in January. 

Monster Worldwide (MNST): If we don't drop into recession, the Monster could make a monster move higher. The company owns its market and this could be one to put away for longer than just a short term trade.