EDITOR'S NOTE

The Dow Jones Industrial Average clipped the 28,000 mark on Friday, and instead of popping Champagne corks and rooting for 30,000, many investors are asking, what's next?

The global economy, and perhaps the U.S. economy along with it, has entered what could be an epoch of low growth. A possible change in Washington could mean higher taxes and more regulation. The big gains we've seen in what has become the longest and best-performing bull run in history are not likely to keep repeating.

In this edition of Weekend Brief, CNBC's Jeff Cox talks to market experts about how to invest in an era of lower investment returns. They advise high-quality, dividend-paying stocks as well as companies that are paying attention to environmental, social and corporate governance issues. It's also important to minimize fees and taxes — taking control of those factors you can control.

Along these lines, Michael Santoli, CNBC senior markets commentator, points out a small group of large consumer companies that have topped the S&P 500 in the last 12 months. They're names that once appeared vulnerable to digital disruption, but now it looks like they have solid prospects for the future. Among them are Walt Disney, Walmart and Starbucks.

How about a company that makes aluminum cans? CNBC's Fred Imbert profiles Nick Schommer, who manages the $3 billion Janus Henderson Contrarian Fund. He's up nearly 40% this year and one of his big holdings includes can maker Crown Holdings.

The headlines most likely to impact stocks next week will be about trade, writes CNBC's Patti Domm. It was President Donald Trump's economic advisor Larry Kudlow who helped push the Dow to its latest record on Friday, saying a U.S.-China trade deal is "getting close."

A headline to the contrary could just as easily push markets lower.

Enjoy the weekend and thanks for reading Weekend Brief.  Email your thoughts at EveningBrief@nbcuni.com or message me on Twitter @tellittoal.

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MICHAEL SANTOLI'S MARKET COLUMN

THE WEEK AHEAD

YOUR WEEKEND BRIEFING