John Wasik

NAACP Warns Black and Hispanic Americans Could Lose Right to Vote http://t.co/2vHafetj via @AddThis

US College Student Shames US Climate Delegation in Durban: http://t.co/gmRV6LaQ via @AddThis

Sanders Files ‘Saving American Democracy Amendment’ to fight Citizens United http://t.co/tG5bpVJS via @AddThis

Moving ahead to 2012: http://t.co/KAknMeS1

By John Wasik

(Reuters) – The ongoing turmoil in world markets has made for a herky-jerky ride this year. What did you learn?

While most professional money managers expect stomach-churning volatility to continue, there’s no reason why you can’t still position your portfolio for safety, income or growth. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

1. Staying Out of the Market.

Sure, the market this year was crazier than selling snowballs to Inuits. But by staying out – and pretending you knew when to come back in – you missed plenty of profit opportunities. The Select Sector Utilities SPDR ETF , for example, offers a nearly 4 percent yield and has returned about 16 percent year to date through December 7.

Currently reading “Household Wealth Takes Biggest Hit Since 2008″ on http://t.co/E3MmzQGj http://t.co/rkQPFEHx

Despite earlier predictions, no pall at all over muni market http://t.co/98zZmFEH

RT @tweetmeme The Real History of ‘Corporate Personhood’: Meet the Man to Blame. http://t.co/PP0zTVwK

Obama’s Sqaure Deal http://t.co/iCYMOQ8G

Michael Moore on the next steps for OWS: http://t.co/FYLvgsI6 via @AddThis