Judging Fortune by its stock picks

Jossip takes a look back at the stock picks made by Fortune in its December 2007 issue and compares their performance to the overall market.

Jossip wrote, “Throw digits on the cover and travelers rushing through the airport and moms browsing through Barnes & Noble are more likely to pick up your rag. Which explains why, in December, Fortune gave you a list of 10 stocks they thought were sure bets to increase the value of your portfolio in 2008.

“Sure, we’re only four months in, by how is Andy Serwer’s team measuring up so far?

“The S&P 500 Index is down 5.46%, the Nasdaq is down 9.21%, and the Dow Jones Industrials Average is down 3.32%.

“Annaly Capital Management (NLY). ‘It buys mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac…’ Down 5.5%.

“Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B). ‘Warren Buffett knows how to exploit panics.’ Down 9.73%.

“Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS). ‘Dick’s emphasizes a store-within-a-store sales approach. Each department has its own look and staff, which appeals to the enthusiast who purchases a lot of sporting goods.’ Down 4.43%.

“Electronic Arts (ERTS). ‘Still, if there’s one tech niche that should be immune to a slowdown, it’s videogames… It’s now the No. 2 developer of Wii games, behind only Nintendo.’ Down 10.87%.

“Genentech (DNA). ‘Even with the FDA setback, Genentech is still expected to grow earnings 18% next year.’ Up 7.22%.“

Read more here. Two stock picks — Petrobas and St. Joe — are up for the year.