Investors need some good news as we move into the fourth quarter, but it might be hard to find good reasons for optimism. Conditions continue to be challenging for stocks, and investors need to prepare themselves for more volatility and an ongoing bear market. Consider these stock market predictions for October, and manage your portfolio for long-term success.

Investors have spent most of this year wondering if we've hit the stock market bottom. Whether stocks move higher or lower over the next few weeks, the overall trend in the fourth quarter is likely to be negative.

Historical market results show that many of the strongest weeks and months closely followed big losses. Many investors take long-term positions when stocks get cheaper, and this can buoy the market. This is likely to provide some temporary relief in October. Fundamentals matter, though, and it's tough to be bullish about growth or profitability right now. The most important macroeconomic factors are still pulling stocks downward.

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Source Fool.com