International Demand to Send Coal Prices Higher
Dated August 05, 2008
Elliott Gue, Energy Strategist
In part 2 of my interview with Elliott Gue, editor of The Energy Strategist, he explains the differences, and price trends, among several coal types. Before the recent pullback in prices, Elliott points out that Big Sandy Barge Coal, a high grade variety of thermal coal, had tripled in the last year. Due to the high demand for coal in both emerging and developed countries, Elliott's two favorite coal companies, Peabody Energy [NYSE:BTU] and Consol Energy [NYSE:CNX], are in a strong position to export their coal abroad.

The Future Looks Bright for Natural Gas
Dated July 31, 2008
Elliott Gue, Energy Strategist
After a sharp rise higher, both oil and natural gas have pulled back nicely. Elliott Gue, editor of the Energy Strategist, believes that natural gas is in a stronger position over the next several years. Softness in the economy will eventually hurt crude oil because it is correlated to transportation and the consumer. Elliott expects oil to trade in a range between $110 and $150 for the remainder of the year. On the other hand, natural gas should head back to $13 this year and perhaps as high as $20 if a hurricane strikes the Gulf of Mexico.

The Most Value-Stocks in 30 Years
Dated July 28, 2008
John Buckingham, The Prudent Speculator
John Buckingham, editor of the Prudent Speculator, looks to build a portfolio of quality companies selling at an extreme discount. The list of recommended stocks published in his newsletter has grown to over 300 names; the most in nearly 30 years. Value investing is not for the faint of heart, but, using a 3-5 year time horizon, John is finding great values in a number of sectors right now. A few of his favorites companies include Benchmark Electronics [NYSE:BHE], Nokia [NYSE:NOK], JPMorgan Chase [NYSE:JPM], HSBC [NYSE:HBC], Morgan Stanley [NYSE:MS], DR Horton [NYSE:DHI], Dryships [NASDAQ:DRYS], and Merck [NYSE:MRK].

Get Blown Away by New Wind Power ETF
Dated July 24, 2008
Bob Carey, First Trust Portfolios
Wind power is widely recognized as one of the most efficient forms of sustainable energy, but it can be difficult to find a pure play in the US markets... until now. Bob Carey, Chief Investment Officer with First Trust, discusses the new First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy Index Fund [NYSE:FAN]. The fund gives a 70% weighting to companies which are pure plays on wind power, Vestas Wind Systems and Hansen Transmissions (both listed in Europe) and 30% weighting to companies with adequate exposure to the wind sector, BP plc [NYSE:BP] and General Electric [NYSE:GE].

Volatility Can Mean Profits in Second Half
Dated July 21, 2008
Bill Greiner, UMB Asset Management
Expect a "fitful" second half of the year according to Bill Greiner, Chief Investment Officer of UMB Asset Management. To profit in these tough markets Bill is focused on what he calls the "Consumerization of Sub-Asia". The growing ???consumer-class??? in Asia will benefit companies like Johnson & Johnson [NYSE:JNJ], as people demand proper medical supplies, and General Electric [NYSE:GE], as demand for power generation equipment increases. As for US financials, Bill Greiner has identified a few hidden gems that have not yet been "tarred and feathered", like the rest of the sector; Northern Trust [NASDAQ:NTRS] and State Street Capital [NYSE:STT].

Three Small Caps Leading HHBUX Higher
Dated July 18, 2008
David Lundgren, Jr., Horizon Hancock Investments
David Lundgren is the Director of Equities and Research Hancock Horizon Investments and Portfolio Manager of the very successful Hancock Horizon Burkenroad Fund [HHBUX]. The Burkenoad fund invests only in small cap companies in the deep-south and that means the fund is currently overweight in energy. David shared three of his favorite diversified winners; Gulf Island Fabrication [NASDAQ:GIFI], Hibbett Sports [NASDAQ:HIBB], IderiaBank Corp. [NASDAQ:IBKC].