If this bull market survives beyond August, it will be the longest bull market ever. And yet, there's reason to believe it still has has some room left to run. One key factor: A modestly growing economy that's spared us the sort of boom-and-bust cycles that can end a bull market. That also bodes well for companies that do well when the economy is growing, so-called cyclical stocks. Also poised to outperform in 2018: the financial sector, especially banks, and technology firms.

Here are 18 stocks to buy now for 2018 picked by Kiplinger contributors James K. Glassman and Tom Petruno based on the promise they offer in the year ahead. As well, Petruno picks five stocks you should avoid--or consider selling if you have them in your portfolio.

Applied Materials

Exploding global demand for computer chips is a bonanza for Applied Materials (), the world's leading maker of chip-manufacturing equipment. The firm should benefit from the proliferation of chips in cars, industrial machinery and smartphones. And the rise of artificial intelligence--computers that can learn on their own--adds another layer of long-term demand for chips, says investment firm RBC Capital. Although Applied's stock has surged 95% over the past year, it still looks appealing, trading at a modest