The stock market has had some horrible years throughout its history, and 2022 was shaping up to be among the worst for the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) until bouncing off its lows over the past few months. It's still down 17% year to date, and investors are now closing the book on this year and preparing for a fresh start in 2023. 

However, many factors affecting the market this year -- inflation, rising rates, an ongoing war, and possible recession among them -- are all still casting shadows over Wall Street. So can one beat the S&P 500 in 2023? Of course! But nobody can predict what will happen in the short term. Sorry, I can't promise anything. Still, you could maximize your chances by following this playbook.

The market can act like a tide that raises and lowers all ships, especially in extreme situations. For example, you saw everything go to the moon throughout 2021, and now, everything outside of oil stocks has seemingly been vaporized. Life can come at you fast on Wall Street. But that's OK; the technology companies, growth stocks, and other beaten-down assets will again have their time in the sun.

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Source Fool.com