For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My favorite conservative fund for 2008 is Gateway Fund (NASDAQ: GATEX)," says Ron Rowland, editor of All Star Fund Trader.

"This past year, the markets struggled. The question is where 2008 is heading. Our indicators show continued challenges in US equities based upon fundamental economic weakness. Because of subprime mortgage defaults and other related issues, investors should consider a strong but conservative strategy for a portion of their holdings.

"One place to look is Gateway Fund. With over $4 billion in assets and an impressive, long-term track record, Gateway typically meets the objective of a higher total return with less risk than the S&P 500. Its five-year chart resembles a gentle upward slope -- exactly what you want when reviewing conservative funds.

"Other funds have tried a similar strategy, but none have the longevity or track record that GATEX offers. To defend
against further market irregularities, look to Gateway Fund in 2008."

Best Stocks for 2008: Gateway (GATEX) gains from conservative strategy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My favorite more speculative fund for 2008 is the iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index (ASE: EFG)," says Ron Rowland, editor of All Star Fund Trader.

"Despite challenges to the dollar and US equities, next year continues to hold promise in the global markets. Also, consider that the strong relative strength of 'value' over 'growth' for most of the past seven years is now swinging back toward growth. That combination provides a sound basis to tilt your portfolio toward international growth next year.

"For years, US markets have been segmented (ie., Small Cap Value, Large Cap Growth). International equities have started to specialize in the same way. Such is the case with iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index.

"Attempting to capitalize on the growth aspects of developed international markets, EFG tries to mirror the MSCI EAFE Growth Index. Right now, that's a good benchmark to emulate. The international growth market appears poised to continue its climb next year. For your aggressive portfolio, look to EFG in 2008."

Best Stocks for 2008: All Star goes global with iShares EAFE Growth (EFG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.