Safe dividend stocks for 2011

December was a banner month for stocks with the market on course to post its best December in nearly two decades. But before you go thinking it’s smooth sailing in 2011, understand that some serious risks will carry over from the old year into the new — such as the threat of a debt default by financially strapped European governments or the unraveling of the Chinese economic “miracle.”

So investors should be on the lookout for opportunities where they can make big gains with an adequate degree of safety. In my judgment, raw materials (gold, silver, oil) offer the biggest upside potential in 2011, but also carry the greatest risk. For the best combination of growth and safety, I continue to award top billing to the dividend stocks on this list. In addition to providing a steady stream of income, these stocks should easily outpace the Dow in the new year.

Source: InvestorPlace

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