Author: Sean Williams, The Motley Fool

They’re a smart way to hedge against stock market volatility and economic uncertainty.

The longest bear market on record lasted 929 calendar days, but the current bear market may top it.

These top-notch income stocks, with yields ranging from 7.7%-13.6%, can seriously pad your wallet.

Here’s what you can expect from the U.S. economy, the stock market, and some of the most widely held companies in the new year.

The Oracle of Omaha expects these companies to outperform in the coming year.