"The ETFS Physical Precious metals Basket (GLTR) is the first physical-bullion ETF to own more than one metal. GLTR's all-in-one convenience and relatively low expense ratio make it an attractive option," notes exchange traded fund specialist Mark Salzinger.

The editor of The Investor's ETF Report explains, "We like this ETF for investors who want to complement exposure to gold bullion with extensive exposure to silver and modest exposures to platinum and palladium.

"Income-starved investors have flocked this year to master limited partnerships (MLPs); however these securities involve tax and bookkeeping hassles," notes fund specialist Mark Salzinger.

The editor of The Investor's ETF Report explains, "As a result, investing in MLP through an exchange-traded fund -- such as The Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) -- has numerous advantages.

"Indeed, by holding a single ETF that aggregates income and returns, tax reporting is streamlined (typically on Form 1099, just like corporate dividends).

"Reflecting the stability and maturity of its economy and financial markets, Israel was recently upgraded to developed-market status," says fund expert Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he looks at iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market ETF (NYSE: EIS), noting, "For a nation of just more than seven million people, Israel generates exceptional economic productivity."

"GDP per capita was recently $28,200, good for 49th in the world, very close to established developed markets like New Zealand and Italy.

"Preferred stock has been much in the news over the past 18 months, primarily as the favorite way for cash-strapped banks to raise new capital," explains Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he says, "These unusual securities are popular because they offer high yields and have a higher position in corporate credit structure than common stock." Here, he offers a pair of favored ETFs that invest in preferred shares.

"We caution that preferred stocks also have significant drawbacks that dampen their appeal. Apreferred stock is really more like a fixed-income instrument than an equity security.

"Resource-rich, politically stable and increasingly prosperous, Chile is an attractive play on commodities and growing wealth in emerging markets," explains Mark Salzinger, editor of The Investor's ETF Report.

Chile is also a favorite investment position of Nicholas Vardy, editor of The Global Bull Market Alert, who notes, "Thanks to its fiscal prudence, its lack of a domestic housing bubble, and its sizeable wealth reserves, Chile has weathered the current global economic meltdown better than most countries."

Here, the two advisors assess the longer-term opportunity in iShares MSCI Chile (NYSE: ECH), an exchange-traded fund.

"We have been recommending iShares MSCI Brazil (ASE: EWZ) in our speculative portfolio," says mutual fund and ETF expert Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he adds, "But we now think Brazil's solid long-term economic fundamentals and the ETF's 'scompelling valuation and well-positioned companies offer exceptional return potential as a portion of some investors'core portfolios, too."

"Brazil's stock market was assailed on all sides in 2008, when EWZ declined by about 55%. Robust gains in the previous five years had priced Brazil's stocks dearly, and investors'decreased tolerance for any perceived risk saw them abandon emerging markets stocks in droves.

This post is part of a special report, Global advisors look to China.

"SPDR S&P China (NYSE: GXC) is our favorite ETF among more speculative contrarian ideas," fund expert Mark Salzinger.

In The Investor's ETF Report, he explains, "Worries over China's economic growth in the face of global recession savaged Chinese stocks in 2008; GXC fell 48.8% from admittedly stratospheric valuations. Now, though, GXC trades at a price/earnings ratio of only 10.7.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"My top investment recommendation for 2009 is the SPDR S&P China ETF (NYSE: GXC)," says Mark Salzinger, exchange-traded fund expert and editor of The Investor's ETF Report.

"I recognize that this is an aggressive, risky choice. However, the Chinese economy boasts some impressive strengths, and, after falling by at least half in 2008, Chinese stocks are trading at very low valuations.

"China has approximately $2 trillion in U.S. dollar reserves, which it can use to buttress economic and political stability in the country. Also, even with a much reduced economic growth rate in 2009, China still will be a huge importer of oil and many industrial commodities.

"That means China will benefit greatly from lower prices for these products, some of which have lost two-thirds of their value just since May 2008.