"My top speculative choice for 2008 is E-Trade Financial (NASDAQ: ETFC), a great turnaround story," says Mark Skousen, editor of Forecasts & Strategies and author of the just-published best seller, Investing in One Lesson.

"E-Trade is one of the nation's largest, deep-discount stock brokerages. It provides order placement and execution for stocks, bonds, options, futures, and mutual funds to millions of customers in more than 40 countries worldwide.

"The company has more than $176 billion in customer funds and has won recognition for service, reliability and security.

"Unfortunately, the company recently was caught in the credit crunch, causing its share price to drop 80%. It held billions of dollars worth of risky securities. On November 29, the firm received a $2.5 billion cash infusion from Citadel Investment Group, a hedge fund. (E-Trade CEO Mitch Caplan lost his job as part of the deal.)

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.

"Our more speculative favorite -- a 'swing for the fences' pick for 2008 -- is a tiny company called Wizzard Software (NASDAQ: WIZD)," says Nate Pile, editor of Nate's Notes.

"The company has been around for a number of years doing work in various speech-to-text and text-to-speech industries, though it has also spent much of the last two years building a presence in the podcasting arena.

"In fact, with the acquisition of Liberated Syndication (or Libsyn, as the cool kids call it) earlier this year, the company managed to take over the top spot as the largest podcasting network in the world.

"And, while it remains to be seen exactly when and how Wizzard might be able to monetize that 'top dog' position, what is already known is that 'the big boys' of the digital marketplace (Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft, etc.) have not been too stingy in the past when they have made offers to buy their way into various niches of the 'digital lifestyle' space.

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.

"Don't get scared off by the name at Credicorp (NYSE: BAP), my favorite 'home run' pick for 2008," explains John Reese, of Validea, a quantitative advisor service based on following the strategies of leading market gurus such as Peter Lynch and Warren Buffett.

"While US banks have been floundering amid the credit and subprime crises, this Peruvian upstart has sparkled, gaining 30% since mid-August.

"The holding company's businesses are involved in commercial banking, insurance, and investment banking, and, if subprime's got you down, consider this: Credicorp's main subsidiary, Banco de Credito del Peru, actually grew its mortgage business 8.2% in the third quarter as Peruvians' purchasing power continued to increase.

"What's more, Credicorp's fundamentals are so strong that it's one of just three stocks currently getting strong interest from three or more of my 'Guru Strategy' computer models -- those that I base on the writings of Peter Lynch, Martin Zweig, and The Motley Fool's David and Tom Gardner.

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 top conservative idea for 2008 is Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO)," says Rusty Szurek with Next Inning.

"While the phrase has definitely lost some of its cache, the simple fact remains, 'video changes everything' and for Cisco, that's doubly true. Cisco stands to benefit from the explosive growth we're seeing today in IPTV and internet video.

"The firm will not only benefit from the specialized video equipment it obtained in its acquisition of Scientific Atlanta, but also by the higher traffic demands video places on both the internet as a whole and on business and home networks -- all markets where Cisco is far and away the world market share leader.

"Some might say that Cisco's push into dedicated video products, which range from service provider equipment to home set-top boxes to its TelePresence initiative that is visible in virtually every major corporation in the world today, is like the salty pretzels served free at your local bar.

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.

"The most boring part of the stock market is foreign bank non-cumulative preferred stocks," explains Vivian Lewis, in her Global Investing Pro. (Incidentally, Vivian was the #1 performer in last year's Best Stocks report.)

"But there is money to be made if you can keep your eyes open and your wits about you. For nearly 20 years, since the vehicle was invented by Barclays plc, British (and Irish) banks have issued preferred stock in denominations attractive to yield-hungry US investors, $25 at issue.

"These preferred shares have an expiration date. They normally run for ten years, after which they may be called. (They are not always called at maturity, if the issuing bank doesn't want to repay the $25 and interest rates are close to the level at which the preferred was issued.)

"They sometimes can be called at a discount from the issue price before the ten years are up, although in a period when banks are capital-hungry this is unlikely.

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.

"Hologic, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX), my top more conservative idea for 2008, is fast becoming the 'Amazon' of women's health care," says Benson George, editor of Top Stocks Insights.

"The company, which specializes in diagnostic and medical imaging systems, bought complementary Cytyc Corp. in October, making Hologic the warrior of reckoning in the growing women's health market.

Hologic develops products for mammography and breast care, osteoporosis assessment and general use radiology. Cytyc's products cover a range of cancers and women's health concerns, including cervical cancer screening, prenatal diagnostics and partial breast radiation therapy.

"The combined company offers a broad and diversified mix of products and services focused only on women's health -- a multi-billion-dollar market growing 16% compounded annually.

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."

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.

"Rofin-Sinar Technologies (NASDAQ: RSTI) is my top speculative pick for 2008," says Neil Macneale, editor of 2-for-1, a newsletter that chooses its portfolio candidates exclusively from stocks that have just announced splits.

"Rofin-Sinar is a cross between an old line manufacturer and a high-tech 'new economy' company. It manufactures lasers used by other manufacturers to weld, cut, and mark various materials.

"Rofin has been in business for 30 years and is a world leader in industrial laser technology. Growth has been steady and significant over the last five years. Earnings have increased an average of 52% a year for five years and justify the above average P/E ratio of 26.5.

"RSTI pays no dividend and has volatility over twice the average for listed companies, so the stock wouldn't be recommended for the 2-for-1 portfolio, but this is a strong business and I see the possibilities for significant outperformance over the next few years."

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.

"For my favorite stocks for 2008, I am looking to food-related companies in South America," says Larry Edelson, editor of Real Wealth.

"Sadia S.A. (NYSE: SDA), a more conservative idea, is a Brazilian food producer with operations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is one of the largest food companies in the region. Half of its sales come from outside of South America, with Asia and the Middle East particularly large buyers.

"For the nine months ended September 30 2007, Sadia's total revenues jumped 25%. Net income soared even more, up 156%. Trading a very conservative 12.57 times earnings, I think Sadia's share price could easily double in 2008.

"Cresud Inc. (NASDAQ: CRESY), a more speculative idea, is an Argentina-based grower of wheat, corn, and soybeans. Cresud also raises beef and dairy cattle. Cresud's revenues for the nine months ended September 30 soared 64%.

"Increased selling & administrative costs held income back though. But the company is now taking measures to streamline costs. I expect Cresud to shine in 2008 as food prices continue to soar. My 2008 target is $27 per share."

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 idea for 2008 is Apollo Investment Co. (NASDAQ: AINV)," says Adrian Day, editor of The Global Analyst.

"The company makes investments of debt and equity to medium-sized businesses, and a Regulated Investment Co. pays out most of its net income in dividends. Like other RICs, the dividends tend to be high and growing, but also like other RICs, it was caught up in the market turbulence of the past few months affecting all finance companies.

"Apollo Investment, the public arm of the eponymous New York private equity firm, came out just over three years ago. It is large ($2.2 billion market cap), financially conservative, and tends to do larger deals than most similar outfits.

"Its average investment is now just over $47 million, and as the fund grows, this should get larger still. It has investments in 67 companies, just over half of which is in sub debt.

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.

"Banco Santander (NYSE: STD) is a 'swashbuckling Spaniard,'" jests Frida Ghitis, contributing editor for Global Investing.

In referring to her conservative favorite for 2008 she explains, "While the big ships of the financial industry struggled to weather a storm of their own creation in the credit markets, a solidly built craft sailed full speed ahead undeterred by the turbulence, proudly flying the Spanish flag into new and old markets.

"Banco Santander, which trades as an ADR in the US, apparently managed to tack clear of the siren call of easy subprime money in America. Instead, following in the tradition of the conquistadors, it went in search of new riches in the old world and the new.

"With branches in Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Grupo Santander has grown to become the largest bank in Europe by market capitalization, even as its competitors see their market cap wither during difficult times.

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 recommendation for 2008 is Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP)," says Elliott Gue, editor of The Energy Strategist.

"Kinder has four basic business lines: oil pipelines and terminals, carbon dioxide (CO2) pipelines, natural gas pipelines and refined products pipes.

"Refined products pipelines are among the most stable assets a firm can own. Typically, they're dedicated to servicing a particular group of refineries, and volumes tend to grow at a slow but predictable rate over time. In Kinder's case, this is a simple, fee-based business. The company owns the valuable Plantation Pipeline that carries refined products from Gulf Coast refineries to the Mid-Atlantic.

"And the company's Pacific Pipeline carries refined products west to California. The West Coast is one area of the US that's chronically short of refining capacity. Pipelines carrying refined products from the Gulf are the only way California keeps moving.

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.

"In a perverse twist of irony, more adventurous investors could choose Citigroup (NYSE: C), which is my speculative favorite for 2008," says Keith Fitz-Gerald, editor of Money Morning.

"I recognize that you might be thinking that I've completely lost my mind. But I believe this is an opportunity to buy into one of the world's fastest growing and best run financial companies at a bargain basement price.

"First, what's causing Citi's current angst is related to a breakdown of risk management -- not the deterioration of operations. The company remains globally diversified, and many portions of its business still reflect double-digit growth rates, particularly when it comes to China and Eastern Europe.

"In my view, Citi is now trading for a pittance. In fact, it's just barely seven times earnings and eight times 2008 earnings. Yet if you add up the growth prospects and current valuations, the company reflects a value that could be as high as $60 or more a share.

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.

"Our top conservative stock idea for 2008 is Focus Media Ltd. (NASDAQ: FMCN)," says Jim Trippon, editor of The China Stock Digest. "Founded only four years ago, Focus Media now calls itself China's largest out-of-home media company; it has blanketed China's first and second tier cities with tens of thousands of display ads.

"Focus Media is growing powerfully on the strength of a rapidly expanding out-of-home advertising business in a booming economy. With revenue growth in all of its corporate sectors expanding at approximately 100% year over year, this company is delivering unprecedented profitability.

"With the Beijing Olympics approaching, we expect an extra surge in out-of-home advertising revenue and demand. The company is aggressively pushing its pricing to the market's tolerance and expanding its network. 2008 should be a banner year for Focus Media.

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.

"Homebuilders have been in a slump, to say the least," says Jim Farrish, editor of Sector Exchange.

"The technical charts on homebuilders look very similar to those of technology stocks during their rise from 1998-2000. In fact, the index has declined more than 70% peak to trough. Looking toward 2008 and the housing market, we could start to see a turnaround.

"The start is likely to be government aided, which is why we like this as an aggressive play, as the Federal government will put more money into fixing something than corporate America. Current proposals will not come close to fixing it, but will at least put a band aid on the situation and allow the healing process to begin.

"Our vote to benefit here would be Toll Brothers (NYSE: TOL). The company has one of the better-looking balance sheets in the industry and management has done a fairly good job of dealing with this downside market.