CNBC's Boldest Predictions for 2011

Some of my favorites were cited below. It's best to read them with pom-poms in hand.

16. The Fed Ends QE2 Program in June

"The Federal Reserve, responding to intense political criticism and an improving economy, ends its QE2 policy after purchasing Treasuries in June. The Fed will avoid punitive legislation ... GDP growth of nearly 3 percent will ease pressure on the central bankers. By year-end, speculation will be percolating about the first Fed rate hike, which could come in early 2012." — Greg Valliere

15. U.S. Stock Prices Soar
"Buy, buy, buy . ... I’m calling Dow 14,000 by this time next year. Why? Highly productive firms only need a little growth right now to blow the doors off. They won’t get a lot of growth in 2011 in the U.S., but with high productivity, strong global growth, and fewer competitors, they’ll get enough." — Tony Fratto

11. Consumers will return to spending.
"Yes, consumers will be more frugal, but the negative pundits will be shocked that people actually do buy presents this holiday season. Sales will not only be better than last year but even mildly reminiscent of previous years. ...This holiday season will cause many to wonder about the sanity of the American public as consumption returns. Never underestimate the motivation of the American public to spend. " — Michael Yoshikami

9. Bonds Keep Booming
"The secular bull market in bonds should continue through 2011. Bond investors may fear inflation, but ... secular changes will keep driving rates on all fixed-income securities to record lows—Treasuries, munis, and corporate bonds alike." — Gary Kaminsky

Source: cnbc.com