"Even with the poor outlook for the economy, there are many investment opportunities being created by high energy prices and the low dollar," notes Jim Powell. In his Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he explains, "American 'rust belt companies' look especially good."
"Surprisingly, rising fuel prices are making some American manufacturers more competitive and I could not be happier about the improved outlook for many efficient U.S. producers.
"U.S. machine tool makers are starting to take back some of the business they lost to Japan 20 years ago. U.S. imports of Chinese steel are declining dramatically, while domestic production is rising at rates not seen in years.
"The list of U.S. businesses that are benefiting from the new trade relationships will lengthen, but it won't happen overnight. It's not just a matter of being loyal to the home team. America will benefit from creating more real wealth instead of the flim-flam financial products that led to the phony boom.
"American 'rust belt companies' are located in the center of the country that is served by efficient water and rail transportation. The home court advantage is becoming tough for China to overcome.
"Kirby Corporation (NYSE: KEX), which I first recommended last December, transports both raw materials and finished products throughout the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri river systems – plus the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway. That's a lot of territory.
"Because floating products to market is the cheapest way to get them there, Kirby is in the catbird's seat for growth. In the past six months, Kirby has gained 29% gain vs a 5% decline in the Dow. Kirby's rise is all the more significant because the U.S. economy has been slowing down.
"Also in December, I initially recommended Burlington Northern Santa Fe (NYSE: BNI), one of America's most efficient railroads. The company is hauling more goods than ever despite the weak economy.
"These two stocks will decline from time to time, but I don't see how America's most energy efficient can do anything but make money over the long term. The higher energy prices go, the more competitive the companies will become.
"For an even more direct rust belt investment I think you should consider the Fidelity Select Industrial Equipment Fund (FSCGX). The fund is particularly well suited for pension plans and other long term accounts.
"The no-load Fidelity fund holds GE, Honeywell, Eaton, Illinois Tool Works, Ingersoll Rand, Emerson Electric, ITT, and other industrial leaders. As a bonus, several of its top holdings -- United Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon -- are also in the defense industry, a sector with strengths of its own."
Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.
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