It's easy to feel discouraged when investing lately. The midterm election's results all but guarantee gridlock for at least the next couple of years, and while the third quarter's earnings season hasn't been disastrous, it's hardly been impressive either.

The S&P 500's (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) third-quarter earnings per share figure is essentially on pace to match the year-ago number, and the fourth quarter is expected to be down year over year. Nevertheless, there's far more clarity regarding the economy's condition than there was just a few weeks ago. That's a big deal since sheer uncertainty can work against most stocks' prices.

Here's a rundown of five stocks you can feel good about stepping into right now, even if the backdrop is less than ideal. We know enough to know these companies will manage just fine in the near and distant future.

Continue reading

Source Fool.com