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.

"My favorite idea for 2009 is a defensive play -- the Consumer Staples SPDR (NYSE: XLP)," says Leonard E. Goodall in his No-Load Portfolios. Here's his review of the exchange-traded fund.

"My recommendation of Consumer Staples SPDR is based on my assumption that the U.S. and world economies will continue to decline through most of 2009, hitting a bottom in the fourth quarter of 2009 or the first quarter of 2010.

"If I thought the economy would recover sooner, I would prefer stocks and funds that are more aggressive in investment strategy.

"XLP provides good investor protection in an uncertain economy. Its major holdings include Colgate, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, CVS, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble.

"In tough times people will continue to buy toothpaste, medicines, soap, and other necessities. Of course, two of its other large holdings, Altria and Anheuser Busch, recognize they will also continue to drink and smoke!

"If you're going to stay invested, you should look to defensive sectors," explain Ron Rowland and Brandon Clay, who point to consumer staples as a top pick for the current market environment.

In their Invest with an Edge, the advisors explain, "Perhaps the best way to stay defensive is with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLP), an exchange traded fund.

"In a bear market, opportunities are usually limited to certain sectors. Surveying the investment horizon, we think the consumer staples sector has the best opportunity for growth in this economy.

"Regardless how the economy acts, people still eat. Consumers may not shop at Whole Foods, but they'll still buy groceries. Companies like Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) and Safeway (NYSE: SWY) will continue to rake in revenues from hungry customers.

"In addition, these companies should continue to receive additional revenue from consumers who normally shop at specialty stores, but can no longer afford to.

"Consumers may not be shopping at Sharper Image any more, but there are other creature comforts that will be difficult for Americans to abandon.

"Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) will still sell products during a prolonged downturn. In addition, companies providing toiletries and convenience like Procter and Gamble and CVS Pharmacy stand to do well during a shifty economy.