"Hunting for value these days is a tough task as this market rally has elevated so many stocks and ETFs to new 52-weeks with almost no buyable dips," suggests Jim Trippon.

The editor of ETF Profit Report explains, "Market Vectors Coal ETF (KOL) -- a new addition to our model ETF portfolio -- is one example of finding some value.

"The ETF is sitting 5.3% off its 52-week high just below $50 and even though this a high beta ETF, the trade set up we're looking actually keeps downside risk to a minimum.

"Caterpillar's announcement that it would acquire Bucyrus underlines the growth potential in global coal markets; short-term fluctuations aside, demand for met coal will continue to rise," says energy sector specialist Elliott Gue.

The editor of The Energy Strategist explains, "I believe that coal-related stocks -- such as Peabody Energy (BTU) -- are a buy for this holiday season.

"Peabody Energy delivered a solid third quarter, beating consensus forecasts for both earnings and revenue.

This sounds like an investment opportunity to me: China and India plan to increase coal imports by 78%, as reported in Bloomberg Businessweek.

Yesterday, I wrote about the worldwide shortage of copper, in the neighborhood of 500,000 metric tons. Now we have another commodity for which demand will be strong next year.

"Given the fact that Canada is looking pretty stable and smart these days, I thought it was time to feature a Canadian stock," suggests Glenn Rogers.

The contributing editor to Internet Wealth Builder explains, "Below, we look at Teck Resources (TCK), a highly diversified resource business based in Vancouver. With Teck you get good copper exposure plus coal and zinc as well as oil sands.

"This is a pretty good time to be in the natural resources business particularly if you are seen as a reliable and politically neutral trading partner such as Canada.

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.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"Peabody Energy (BTU), the world's largest coal producer, is my top pick for the coming year," says Hannah Choe.

The contributing analyst with Personal Finance explains, "Demand for coal, particularly from the Pacific Rim, China and India, is rebounding as the global economy recovers."

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"Whenever inflation heats up, there's no better place to park your cash than in tangible commodities," says Nathan Slaughter.

In his The ETF Authority, he noes "Our favorite play on this sector is Market Vectors Hard Asset Producers (HAP), an ETF whose 300-stock portfolio provides one-stop shopping for six distinct commodity sub-sectors."

"To beef up our already strong collection of natural resource plays, we're adding Australia's BHP Billiton (BHP) to the mix," says long-term growth stock expert Stephen Leeb.

In The Complete Investor, he explains, "This $175 billion company is the largest mining company in the world and makes up some 14% of Australia's market index. It's truly the big fish in resource-rich Australia's ocean-sized pond."

"With more than 100 operations in 25 different countries, BHP produces a huge array of commodities and has a geographically diverse footprint to boot.

"Peabody Energy (BTU) remains a buy in our 'gushers portfolio'." says energy sector expert Elliott Gue.

In his The Energy Strategist, he explains, "Strong demand for coal from India and China is a growth story that will play out in 2010."

Gue explains, "Peabody reported its third quarter results and share prices have reacted positively. The weakness in US coal markets remains a challenge, but Peabody has taken steps to shore up profitability in the US, cutting back planned production and locking in contracts for 2010 at fixed prices.

"I'm adding Bucyrus International (NSDQ: BUCY) -- a maker of mining equipment -- to our 'Wildcatters Portfolio' as a play on coal," says Elliott Gue.

In his The Energy Strategist, the advisor explains, "With commodity prices recovering and Chinese demand for coal picking up once again, Bucyrus has likely seen the trough in its new equipment business."

"Bucyrus' top end-market is coal, which accounts for more than three-quarters of the firm's business. Coal mining equipment includes draglines, a sort of giant scoop used to scrape away the overburden (rocks and dirt) that covers coal.

"Coal accounts for more than 70% of China's electricity," says Tony Sagami. In Uncommon Wisdom, he looks to an ETF poised to benefit from long-term rising coal demand.

The advisor explains, "China's coal consumption is growing, and it is building coal-powered power plants at a breakneck pace.

"Why? Because they are much cheaper to build and operate than any other power-producing option. China is power starved, and coal is the main resource used for generating electricity in the country.

"Any coal-producing company located in and selling to China is going to be printing money," says Asia region stock speciality Tony Sagami.

In his The Asia Stock Alert, he explains, "And in my opinion, the best to profit from that sooty need is Yanzhou Coal (NYSE: YZC), a fully integrated company that does it all; the company mines, prepares, processes, sells and transports coal." Here's his bullish review.

"The concept of investing in coal may not sound very exciting, but it is when you realize we're talking about the primary source of power for a country with 1.3 billion people.

Is it time to ride the rails? In Gordon Pape's The Internet Wealth Builder, analyst Tom Slee reaffirms his buy rating on Burlington Northern Santa Fe (NYSE: BNI), his top pick in the sector.

"Burlington Northern is my preferred choice in the railroad industry. At first glance, Burlington Northern had a particularly bad first quarter.

"Profit was $0.86 a share, down sharply from $1.30 a share the year before. However, when unusual items such as an unfavourable coal rate decision are excluded, operating earnings amounted to a much more acceptable $1.13 a share, well above the 96c analysts were looking for.

Coal concern Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: ANR) has spiked more than 20% today on the heels of its first-quarter earnings report. The company reported a 61% improvement in net income, which rose to $41 million, or 58 cents per share, compared to $25.5 million, or 39 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2008.

Revenue for the period inched higher to $424.4 million. ANR's profit easily exceeded Wall Street's expectations; analysts were looking for a profit of 48 cents per share on $515.5 million.

ANR gapped higher with the sound of the opening bell today, extending its year-to-date advance of 56.4%. If the stock keeps climbing, it could soon have a chance to challenge resistance from its 10-month moving average, which is currently hovering in the $33 neighborhood.

"Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU), the largest private market coal firm in the world, had a great 2008," says Jack Adamo who has recently added the stock to the buy list of Insiders Plus.

"Peabody has extensive holdings in the U.S. and Australia, the latter serving the China/Asia Pacific markets. It sells steam coal for heating and utility use, and coking coal for steel making.

"Peabody has had some decent iInsider buying in the last few months -- about 30,000 shares -- not enough to get too excited about, but encouraging. There were also 27,000 options exercised, most of it at very low prices, for which the holder took no profits.

"That's also a good sign, particularly since those exercises come with a tax bill, and shares weren't sold to pay it. It implies faith the stock will rise.