"This is a time for defensive measures, and one defensive stock idea is Telefonica (TEF); based in Madrid, Spain, Telefonica is a world telecom leader, with more than 280 million customers in 25 countries," notes Mark Skousen.

The editor of Forecasts & Strategies explains, "The company has a particular emphasis on Latin America. Telefonica offers landlines, cell phones and services, network leasing, cable and satellite television, and broadband services. It also is expanding rapidly in Asia in a partnership with China Unicom.

"Flagstar Bancorp (FBC), the Midwest savings bank that we recommended, as our favorite stock for 2011, remains a buy," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of Forecasts & Strategies explains, "The bank missed expected earnings, losing 74 cents per share, compared to an expected loss of 15 cents per share. But looking at the bigger picture, the news is better than those numbers reflect.

"Flagstar Bancorp technically lost $0.74 per share this year, but that's better than last year's loss of $1.53 per share. Moreover, if you look beyond the one-time charge for the sale of a bad loan portfolio, the per-share loss was only $0.06.

"KKR Financial Holdings (KFN) is a leading alternative asset manager; led by its founders, Henry Kravis and George Roberts, KKR specializes in large, complex buyouts," notes Mark Skousen.

The editor of The Hedge Fund Trader explains, "The company's edge is industry-leading private equity experience, in-depth industry knowledge, sophisticated processes for growing and improving businesses and an almost unbeatable information network.

"KKR has a history of landmark achievements in private equity, including the first leverage buyout above the $1-billion mark.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"My favorite speculative stock idea for 2011 is Flagstar Bancorp (FBC), the Troy, Michigan-based bank with 165 branches in Michigan, Indiana, and Georgia," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of The Hedge Fund Trader explains, "The stock was trading for over $140 a share before the financial crisis; the stock fell to $5 a share last May, and it is now under $1.50.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"My favorite stock for 2011 is Almaden Minerals (AAU), a Vancouver-based mining exploration company," notes Mark Skousen -- one of the top performing advisors in last year's Top Picks report.

This year, the editor of Forecasts & Strategies notes, "Almaden is rapidly going from 'small cap' ($253 million) to 'large cap' and may even be bought out soon by a major.

"Silver stocks are exploding upwards; one beneficiary is Coeuer d'Alene Mines (CDE), a classic turnaround story," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of The Turnaround Letter explains, "Despite the recent run-up, still is selling at a 60% discount from its high of $60 a share back in 2006.

"Although it was founded in 1928 and is one of the oldest silver mines in the famed northern Idaho panhandle, it's been a money loser for years and heavily in debt.

"Transportation stocks are a traditional harbinger of future economic growth. After all, physical goods must be shipped for customers to take delivery," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of High Income Alert explains, "We turn to this sector for our latest featured recommendation: Overseas Shipping Group (OSG).

This is a company that has survived and prospered during multiple shipping cycles. Its balanced portfolio of vessel types and charter mix optimizes annual revenue. And that revenue topped $1 billion during the last 12 months.

"We do have a select number of speculative stocks and growth funds in our portfolio; among them, my favorite is Ford Motor Co. (F)," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of Forecasts & Strategies explains, "The stock, which has been my favorite speculation for 2010, reported another blockbuster quarter.

"Its second-quarter earnings blew past Wall Street estimates last month and the stock now is up more than 20% from our recommended price.

The energy and commodities sectors now appears to be heating up; and one booming market is coal," says Mark Skousen, who adds, "In light of this, our latest featured recommendation is Peabody Energy (BTU)."

The editor of The Hedge Fund Trader Alert explains, "Coal demand is rising both domestically and globally, especially among the BRIC emerging markets.

"Energy prices are beginning to firm up again. And one opportunity we see in this sector is NuStar Energy (NS); there has been heavy insider buying here," says Mark Skousen.

In his High Income Alert, the advisor explains, "Insiders have purchased 622,000 shares of NuStar during the last six months. They have sold exactly none.

"Last month, for example, Director William Greehey of NuStar purchased 350,000 shares at $65.55, an investment of nearly $19.8 million. Directors Rodman Patton, Dan Hill and Jesse Bates have bought lately, too.