This has easily been one of the most difficult years on record for Wall Street and everyday investors. The benchmark S&P 500, which is typically viewed as the best barometer of stock market health, produced its worst first-half return in 52 years. As for the growth-driven Nasdaq Composite, an index largely responsible for pushing the stock market to new highs, it's lost about a third of its value. This puts both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq firmly in a bear market.

There's no denying that bear markets can be unnerving. The speed and unpredictability of downside moves invariably send some investors running for the hills. However, history has shown time and again that stock market corrections and bear markets are the ideal time for patient investors to pounce. Eventually, all notable declines in the major indexes are whisked away by a bull market -- and the current bear market will prove no different.

What follows are 10 top stocks to buy with the major indexes in a bear market.

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Source Fool.com