We introduced the “Hot or Not” segment last year as a lighthearted way to break down important themes for individual investors. Rather than looking at page views or ratings, we want to review economic, market, and public policy themes that could help you most in the new year.

In this illustrated review of the year, the “Hot” (or profitable) items will appear on the left, while the “Not” (or disappointing) corollary appears on the right. We hope you have as much fun reading as we did putting the list together.

Jeremy Siegel used a relatively simple method to predict (accurately) that we'd end the year right around DOW 18k. On the other hand, John Hussman's complex modeling may have had a little too much elbow grease.

OPEC's price war has been successful in straining American producers – but the average consumer isn't the least bit concerned.

Putin ends 2014 with his nation more isolated on the world scale, and a currency facing rapid devaluation. The granddaughter of the former shoe-pounding premier continues to enjoy considerable success as a writer and analyst.

The record high ratings for CNBC's “Shark Tank” – particularly among young people – suggest a sense of optimism and faith in American innovators. Meanwhile, Larry Kudlow's slant had a narrowing audience.

Bill Gross's dramatic exit from Pimco at the end of September came as a huge shock. Jeffrey Gundlach is set to begin a new year as the “King of Bonds.”

While enrollment in journalism schools has fallen for the past two years, wonks like Ezra Klein and Nate Silver appear to be thriving after striking out on their own.

Approval ratings for Washington institutions remain stuck near all-time record lows. On the upside, the capital city's baseball team enjoyed their best season ever – winning the NL East Division by 17 games.