Except for a few mining stocks I've been in cash for a while now. I keep my eye on the golds and other miners, but right now I'm focused on building a shopping list of stocks I want to own if/when a market break takes them down - the lower the better.

Right now my list consists of only two companies, but that's because I just started it.

Crescent Point Energy Corp - CPG and Teekay LNG Partners - TGP

The criteria are fairly simple. Companies should be in a leadership role in strong markets with good institutional following and no dodgy financials. They should also pay a dividend, and perhaps have a history of increasing that dividend, although in the case of newer companies that last point is optional.

The goal is to buy cheap and hold, not flip them out in a month or two. I want something I can sleep on for a few years and not have to worry too much about the day to day. This is core stuff, so only the most solid of mining co's (if any) will make the cut. My focus is mainly energy, but I could see agro-biz, consumer staples, maybe even technology in the mix.

Anyone else with ideas along these lines?

ebear