Every year LPL Financial Research compiles its Outlook for the following year to let investors know where we believe the markets are heading and how to best position portfolios.

The year 2012 will be one where the wide divergences of the prior year converge to meet in the middle while candidates seek to attract the middle voter.

Download the full version here Outlook 2012: click here to download (PDF).

This research material was prepared by LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide or be construed as providing specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.

The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal.