For many investors, 2014 has been a year to forget.
First it was the price of iron ore. Which has fallen hard and taken miners' share prices along for the ride.
Then came the oil drop. Which has wreaked havoc on the share prices of even the biggest and best producers like Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL).
Thermal coal has also drifted much lower, down 25% for the year.
And while all this has been unfolding, the only thing vanishing quicker than employees at mining services firms, are their contracts.
The slowdown across the resources sectors has resulted in rising unemployment, a falling Australian dollar and poor levels of consumer and business confidence (unsurprisingly).
Together, these adverse macro factors have caused a number of headaches at the RBA and sent the ALL ORDINARIES (INDEX: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) index down nearly 4% for the year.
Looking ahead
In 2015 unemployment is expected to rise, GDP growth is going to slow and interest rates will stay at, or below, 2.5%.
But whilst it may seem like we're up against it, the Australian economy is very strong and still expected to grow despite a major slowdown in the resources sector. So now could be a better time than ever to start investing Foolishly.
By focusing on buying great businesses at a reasonable price there's every chance investors can make some great gains in the share market, throughout 2015.
Here are five stocks at the very top of my buy list heading into 2015…
1. Greencross Limited (ASX: GXL) is a leading pet care retailer and veterinary services provider. Shares in the company have slumped in recent months, falling from above $10.50 to just $7.50. Despite a successful acquisitive strategy in recent years, analysts are continuing to tip strong earnings per share and dividend growth in coming years.
2. Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU) will be a net beneficiary of both the falling Australian dollar and rising US interest rates. It operates in over 20 countries and provides the crucial link between shareholders and their companies. In the coming year analysts are expecting a strong performance from the company and dividend payout equivalent to 2.94%.
3. Shine Corporate Ltd (ASX: SHJ) is a recently listed Australian law firm which specialises in personal injury litigation. The group is aggressively pushing into 'emerging practice areas' and is at the beginning of what could be a very profitable acquisition campaign.
4. Collection House Limited (ASX: CLH) is a receivables management company. It has grown both earnings and dividends modestly but consistently for many years. If the local economy does go through a rough patch, shareholders can expect strong demand for debt collection services. It offers a 4.4% fully franked dividend yield.
5. Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) is the owner of leisure and entertainment assets throughout Australia, with names such as Dreamworld, White Water World, Goodlife Health Clubs and more. It also has healthy exposure to the US, through its Main Event business.
