Themes that will dominate the market in 2015

It’s a brand new year with fresh themes set to dominate the market and the Fast Money Halftime Report traders are bracing for a busy 2015.

Josh Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management is watching the technology sector and says he won’t fall out of his chair if the Nasdaq (^IXIC) takes out its March 2000 all-time high of 5,049. According to Brown, tech cash cows will continue to get the job done in 2015. He also has his eye on Europe saying stimulus in the first quarter will be exciting initially but then disappoint because it won’t be big enough or work fast enough.

Jim Lebenthal, president of Lebenthal Asset Management, says to get ready for some tug-of-war themes this year. According to Lebenthal, the battles will be between a hawkish Federal Reserve and dovish European Central Bank and between stock market bubblers versus long term investors.

Jon Corpina of Meridian Equity Partners is also watching the Federal Reserve saying, “Stay the course until the Fed tips their hand.” He’s also looking for under performers. Corpina says, “When oil starts to settle, these stocks will rebound with the market.”

Dan Greenhaus, chief strategist at BTIG, is keeping an eye on bonds in the new year saying, “Everyone is talking about how the bond market isn’t reflecting the Federal Reserve moving towards higher yields. That’s not true. Yields for 2 and 3 year maturities have risen since mid-October when the market bottomed.” Greenhaus is also warning of a jump in volatility but says alpha generation might actually be easier.

Steve Weiss, founder of Short Hills Capital Partners, expects an increase in volatility too. Weiss also expects health care will see continued strong performance in 2015. Is was the second-best performing sector least year, behind utilities.