From a torrent of 1999 predictions, here is among the best advice: "The big 1999 surprise may come from Japan's stock market. It's crammed with cheap stocks selling at historically low levels." (Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine.)

"When stocks decline into early 1999, buy some on dips, but reserve most of your cash for a more robust market." (David Dreman, money manager.)

"Negative earnings aren't a good backdrop for absorbing something like President Clinton's impeachment crisis." (John Neff, Wellington Management.)

"We're still in an aging bull market which could tumble 45 percent if earnings disappoint or Asia reveals more bad news." ++ (Philip Roth, money manager.)

"Reaching 10,000 on the Dow will be a 'stop-the-presses, interrupt-Oprah' event. We'll hit five figures late this year or early next." (Laszlo Birinyi, Forbes.)

"I'm still optimistic, expecting a 20 percent gain in 1999. Grumpy Greenspan will forge an unholy alliance with Bill Clinton." (Kenneth Fisher, investment adviser.)

"Time and Newsweek recently pictured bears on their covers. Six times when two magazines ran bear covers, stocks quickly rallied with the Dow up 10 percent in six months, 21 percent a year later." (Marty Zweig.)

"In 1999 we'll have yet another leg to this prolonged bull market for both stocks and bonds." (Norwest Market Perspective.)

Pub Date: 12/18/98