"A looming supply shortage stands to push palladium prices sharply higher over the next couple years, and North American Palladium (PAL) is sitting on one of the world's biggest deposits," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "The company has several promising gold mines under development that could soon produce over 80,000 ounces annually.

"Believe it or not, there are only two mines on the planet that yield palladium first and foremost -- it's a by-product everywhere else. And one of those mines belongs to North American Palladium.

"Goldcorp (GG) recently posted very solid results; but even more important, is the powerful pipeline of major projects," notes resource expert Adrian Day.

The editor of The Global Analyst continues, "Indeed, a major expansion at a planned mine development will benefit not only Goldcorp, but another one of our recommended holdings, Canada's Virginia Mines (VGQ).

"At Goldcorp, the expansion of its major projects will, in aggregate, boost the company's output about 70% by 2015. In addition to the successful ramp-up at Penasquito, and ongoing construction at Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republican, the company announced significant improvements at a major project.

"Cliffs Natural (CLF), a mining firm producing iron ore, has shown a technical price breakout from a 5-week, cup-and-handle base," says technical Leo Fasciocco.

The breakout specialist and editor of Ticker Tape Digest explains, "The move carries the stock to a 52-week high. CLF's 12-month performance chart shows the stock appreciating 90% versus a 20% gain for the S&P 500 index.

"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.

"ConocoPhillips (COP) is not only my favorite integrated oil company, it is also on the short-list of my favorite stocks, period," says Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "The company is raking in cash; the integrated oil giant pocketed $2.0 billion in net profits last quarter on $53.2 billion in revenues.

"For all of 2010, earnings soared nearly 160% to $11.4 billion. That percentage gets cut in half when you exclude one-time gains and charges. Still, it's a good time to be a shareholder.

"Royal Gold (RGLD), a gold royalty operation, is progressing well, and is a good buy at current levels," says global resources expert Adrian Day.

The editor of The Global Analyst explains, "Over $6 a share income by 2013 makes Royal Gold fundamentally inexpensive; it is also selling below a reasonable net asset value, unusually for gold stocks.

"The company hold a gold royalty on part of the huge Penasquito mine in Mexico, which had a good first quarter. Royal Gold has other new projects gearing up to boost revenues. Andacollo started production in October, so this year will see a full year of revenues from two new mines.

"With annual revenues of $394 million, Stillwater Mining (SWC) is a small cap play in the palladium, platinum and associated metals mining sector," says technician Leo Fasciocco.

The editor of Ticker Tape Digest explains, "Technically, the stock has broken out from a nine-week flat base. The move carries the stock to an 8-year high.

"Stillwater produces palladium, platinum and associated metals from a geological formation in south central Montana known as the J-M Reef and from the recycling of spent catalytic converters.

"London-based Rio Tinto (RIO) is one of the largest and most diversified mining companies in the world; ith the potential to reward shareholders with increased dividends and share buybacks, Rio is a buy for investors seeking exposure to booming commodity markets," says Paul Tracy.

The editor of High Yield International explains, "Rio's operations are located in Australia, North and South America, South Africa, Europe and Indonesia. Its strategy is to concentrate on the development of large, high quality mineral deposits and become a low-cost producer for each commodity.

"Oil had a good year in 2010, rising 15 percent, and 2011 looks to be even better, as a stronger global economy pushes demand for resources higher," says Stephen Leeb.

The editor of The Complete Investor explains, "Oil service and equipment companies are the most leveraged way to play rising oil prices. Here's a look a Schlumberger (SLB) and National Oilwell Varco (NOV).

"First is Schlumberger, operating in more than 80 countries. The company is the world's leading supplier of energy technology, project management, and information solutions.

"I am getting more interested in natural gas; we all realize that crude oil production is peaking and that new discoveries are deep, dangerous to exploit, and bottom line expensive," says resource expert Curtis Hesler.

The editor of Professional Timing Service explains, "Investors can consider Natural Gas Service Group (NGS), a natural gas field equipment provider that I am adding to our recommended list.

"While technology is improving in wind and hydroelectric generation, perhaps the greatest technical strides are being seen in natural gas production.

"Nowhere is the supply and demand balance as tight as it is with oil; with the somewhat stronger economy here and abroad, the oil gap is closing again," says Jim Powell.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities explains, "I think the best way to benefit from rising oil prices is to buy Exxon Mobil (XOM), the world's largest, and one of its most reliable, energy investments.

"I think the price will reach the psychologically important $100 mark by this summer, and maybe a lot sooner.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Buckeye Technologies (BKI), a leading maker of specialty cellulose-based fibers, represents a top pick for 2011" suggests Richard Moroney.

The editor of the small cap, growth stock focused Upside Stocks Newsletter explains, "The stock earns a quantitative ranking of 98 which means it scores better than 98% of the 5,000 companies we screen.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"My favorite stock for 2011 is Almaden Minerals (AAU), a Vancouver-based mining exploration company," notes Mark Skousen -- one of the top performing advisors in last year's Top Picks report.

This year, the editor of Forecasts & Strategies notes, "Almaden is rapidly going from 'small cap' ($253 million) to 'large cap' and may even be bought out soon by a major.

"Commodities are experiencing a long-term bull market that will last for years, despite periodic ups and downs," notes Yiannis Mostrous, editor of The Silk Road Investor.

Mostrous -- author of the just-published The Rise of the State: Profitable Investing and Geopolitics in the 21st Century -- explains, "Our latest new buy is BHP Billiton (BHP) is the world's largest mining company by market capitalization.