Despite all this, the trend can still be your friend. It is often possible to figure out which factors will dominate over time, and, in particular, over a given period of time. Likewise, some stocks, sectors and asset classes that look good, in themselves, are really worth having. Predictions are possible, and it is not all a game of chance. But, if you are looking for sure-fire indicators and think that the business cycle and the stock exchange cycle are one and the same, you will be in for a disappointment or worse.