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.

Growth stock expert Mark Skousen looks to the commodity sector for a favorite idea for 2009. In his specialty advisory service, The Turnaround Trader, he explains, "While the market continues to be volatile, we believe Freeport McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) offers an opportunity for profit."

Skousen continues, "Industrial commodities have been beaten down in the face of a deep, global recession. Aluminum was $1.50 a pound a year ago, and is now down to 66 cents. Copper was more than $4 a pound last year, and recently fell to $1.40.

"But the outlook for commodities is changing quickly with all the talk of bailouts, stimulus, and easy money.

"Aluminum, copper, and other base metals have risen recently on the news that President-elect Barack Obama has pledged 'substantial' spending to fix and add buildings, roads and bridges as a way to revive the economy.

"And then there's China. The world's largest emerging market recently committed to stimulating domestic growth, and announced plans to purchase 1 million tons of base metal for about $3 billion. China's massive stimulus plan, combined with Obama's, could be enough to reignite the commodities boom.

"Oil is moving back up, and energy stocks look strong as we head into the final months of 2007," says Mark Skousen, who sees opportunities in the energy sector for both growth investors and income investors.

In his The Turnaround Trader, he looks at Patterson-UTI Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: PTEN), an independent oil and natural gas operator that provides pumping services and remedial work on existing wells in North America. He says, "Patterson-UTI Energy has been in a two-year bear market.

"Two years ago, the stock topped out at $38 a share. This year, it reached a high of $28. In the most recent quarter, its revenues and earnings fell unexpectedly by 18%. But Patterson-UTI Energy is sporting a 25% profit margin and now is selling at only six times current earnings.

"The stock is deeply undervalued and easily could move back up to $28 a share or higher. Zacks Investment Research predicts the stock will reach $29 this year, 'well within historical trading range.' Let's buy Patterson-UTI Energy and set a protective stop of $18 a share. For those willing to take a gamble, consider buying the January $30 calls."

Investors interested in natural resources or emerging global markets can consider one of the top performing funds run by U.S. Global Investor. Or, suggests, Mark Skousen, they can buy shares in the fund management company.

The advisor has added shares of U.S. Global Investors (NASDAQ: GROW) to the buy list of his Turnaround Trader. He notes that last year, the stock was in his portfolio and after doubling, the position was stopped out.

Skousen now explains, "When earnings slowed, the stock fell out of bed, declining more than 40% from its high. Is it time to get back in? The evidence is growing that U.S. Global is back on its fast track mode."

The company, he notes, recently reported strong earnings. Revenues increased 30% to $58.6 million, and profits jumped 32.7% to $13.8 million for the year ended June 30.

Assets under management, he points out, grew 34% to $4.6 billion, and outside fees rose 60%. He states, "In every financial matrix, GROW is growing faster than its competitors. It even doubled its dividend to 2 cents a month, or 1.2% per year."

Skousen asks, "What's not to like? Amazingly, the momentum players and manipulators decided to dump the stock, and GROW declined after the news." He continues, "I talked to CEO Frank Holmes, who said there's nothing fundamentally wrong. With gold moving higher and Asian stocks booming again, U.S. Global is attracting investor interest again."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.