What does 2013 hold?

My current expectation is that we will see moderately positive equity performance that will be derailed by continued political dickering around the debt ceiling (in the US) and fiscal consolidation (in Europe) bringing back shades of 2011 in the first half of the year.  Once there is greater clarity on these issues however, I would expect to see US markets recover and continue a moderating bull market – with a 5% return.  Internationally however, if the EU continues down its current path and China keeps its hand on the rudder, I would expect those markets to significantly outperform at about 10% & 15% respectively.