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.

"Trading near its all-time high, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) -- my top idea for 2009 -- is a true relative-strength leader," says Ryan Detrick.

The technical analyst with Schaeffer's Investment Research, explains, "With the shares near their all-time high, MCD is a true relative-strength leader. Technically, the stock continues to find support from its rising 20-month moving average, as this trendline has provided support since mid-2003.

"McDonalds is the world's largest fast-food chain, with more than 31,000 restaurants worldwide. Given the record job losses and deteriorating worldwide economy, MCD should continue to do well as consumers will downgrade to more affordable dining options.

"Or as CEO Jim Skinner put it, 'McDonald's seems well positioned for recession. In bad times, people think twice about where to spend money when going out for food.'

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Millennium Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MLNM) is the top speculative idea for 2007 from Ryan Detrick, editor of Players Performer. He says, "Millennium is one of the top performing stocks in the biotechnology field, as the equity has gained more than 44% since May 2006.

"The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based firm focuses on treatments for cancer and inflammatory diseases. The company also has drugs in the pipeline for multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and various cancers. The biotech sector as a whole is positioned very nicely for a move higher.

"The overwhelming sentiment from investors toward this technical outperformer is one of doubt and skepticism, which parlays perfectly into a contrarian outlook. Specifically, heavy skepticism levied against a stock that is attractive from a technical perspective, not to mention a security from a solidly performing sector as a whole, suggests that there is ample sideline money to help usher the shares even higher.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Homebuilder KB Home (NYSE: KBH) is the top conservative idea for 2007 from Ryan Detrick, editor of Players Performer. He explains, "The stock has been a very strong technical performer since the housing sector bottomed in July.

"At the time, the media was flooded with bearish claims that the housing bubble was about to burst and that the sector as a whole had nowhere to go but down. During the final few months of 2006, housing stocks have been able to advance amid this wealth of skepticism -- a very positive development that could lead to additional gains throughout 2007.

"This strength amid negative data indicates that there is a good deal of sideline cash that could begin to flow into the housing sector should the companies begin to display any signs of leveling out on the fundamental side.

"It's clear that the investing public is betting against KBH. From a contrarian perspective, this skepticism toward an outperforming equity is a bullish indicator. Looking at a quick rundown, we have bearish media sentiment, bearish analysts on Wall Street, and bearish quantified sentiment -- all of this despite positive price action.