"Income investors have to be very careful when searching for yield; many high-yielding stocks have turned in disastrous performances over the last year," cautions Chuck Carlson.

In his The DRIP Investor he adds, "That's what makes Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) so attractive. The issues stands as as one in which investors can be confident of a steady dividend stream."

"The stock's current yield of 5% is especially attractive in this environment. And the dividend is taxed at the current preferential tax rate of just 15%, giving it an extra appeal relative to yields on fixed-income investments. Furthermore, the dividend is safe.

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.

"As we head into 2009's turbulent waters, it will take two oars to keep a straight course; as such, for my top pick for 2009, I am selecting a pair of ETFs," notes fund expert Jim Lowell.

In his Marketwatch ETF Trader, the advisor explains, "iShares Dow Jones U.S. Total Market (NYSE: IYY) covers the market broadly, while WisdomTree International Small Cap Dividend Fund (NYSE: DLS) has a more focused manner."

"Buying the broader market in 2008 was a sucker's bet; make that a sucker punch. But in 2009, it's neither an act of courage nor a fool's errand to 'buy the market.'

"After all, the likelihood of the markets selling into oblivion has arguably been priced into current levels, making the total market a deeply discounted stream worth stepping into in 2009.

A chart comparing the S&P 500 index to the MSCI EAFE index (a global benchmark comprised of stocks from Europe, Australia, and the Far East, which has an equivalent exchange-traded fund, or ETF (NYSE: EFA) ) points to a potentially significant shift in the relationship between U.S. and foreign equities.

That is, U.S. shares appear poised for a comeback, at least in relative terms.

Interestingly, this comes at a time when the world at large appears to be suffering from the consequences of a bursting U.S. housing bubble and a meltdown in the American subprime finance sector.

While it is too soon to say for sure, could this be a sign that U.S. investors are beginning to repatriate funds back home? Or that foreigners are reverting to past form with a knee-jerk move towards what has historically been seen as safer shores?

If so, foreign share markets may well suffer disproportionately in the wake of further unwelcome announcements and upheaval in global financial markets.

Some might say that's an ironic turn of events.

Michael Panzner is a 25-year veteran of the global stock, bond, and currency markets and the author of Financial Armageddon: Protecting Your Future from Four Impending Catastrophes and The New Laws of the Stock Market Jungle.