"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.

Continue reading ExxonMobil (XOM): The Best Way to Play Oil

ExxonMobil (XOM): The Best Way to Play Oil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

"After two years of economic declines, even the small uptick in growth we are starting to see should be a tonic for America's battered banks," says Jim Powell.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report explains, "Of the major U.S. banks, I think Citigroup (C) offers investors the most promise; as such, I am selecting the stock as my top pick for 2011.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Citigroup (C)

Top Picks 2011: Citigroup (C) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As soon as it is possible to do so, several North American companies are likely to move quickly to enter Cuba, the greatest untapped opportunity remaining in the western hemisphere," says Jim Powell.

Here, the editor of Global Changes & Opportunities looks at what he believes are the best investment opportunities for investing in Cuba, should such a change occur.

"In August, Raul Castro announced that 500,000 public workers in Cuba will be laid off and will need to find jobs in newly-legalized small private enterprises.

Continue reading Investing in Cuba: 11 Plays on an 'Untapped Opportunity'

Investing in Cuba: 11 Plays on an 'Untapped Opportunity' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The most appealing investments are those that offer several ways to profi; that's definitely the case with TransCanada Corp. (TRP), our northern neighbor's largest pipeline and utility company. Here's a look at the Canadian pipeline company," says Jim Powell.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report explains, "Here is what the blue chip stock offers U.S. investors: First, TransCanada provides an easy way to take a position in the strong Canadian dollar.

"I think the loonie will hold its value much better than the U.S. dollar over the next few years. In fact, the loonie may rise about the greenback within a few months.

Continue reading TransCanada (TRP): Pipeline to Profits

TransCanada (TRP): Pipeline to Profits originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Turkey is a country that nearly everybody overlooks -- but probably not much longer," says Jim Powell, editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report.

The advisor suggests, "The best way for investors to take a position in the country's growth is with the iShares MSCI Turkey Investment Market Index (TUR).

"The ancient nation is rapidly becoming a major Middle Eastern power and an important European power at the same time. And yet, very few investors are paying attention. Those who are stand to make excellent long-term profits as Turkey continues to develop.

Continue reading Turkey ETF (TUR): The Next Brazil?

Turkey ETF (TUR): The Next Brazil? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Family Dollar Stores (FDO), with 6,600 stores in 44 states, is one retail chain that is benefiting from the recession," says Jim Powell.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities explains, "Most of us have driven by Family Dollar stores but have probably given them little notice. However, they are very popular with several million consumers of modest means.

Continue reading Family Dollar (FDO): Recession Beneficiary

Family Dollar (FDO): Recession Beneficiary originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities explains, "EnCana (ECA) is my top choice as a natural gas investment. Long-term investors should be well rewarded for buying the stock at its current low price.

"During the past two years, there has been a revolution in the ability to extract natural gas from shale deposits, of which the U.S. and Canada have huge quantities.

Continue reading EnCana (ECA): 'Top Choice in Natural Gas'

EnCana (ECA): 'Top Choice in Natural Gas' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Harris (HRS): 'Unmanned' Potential in Defense Sector

Harris (HRS): 'Unmanned' Potential in Defense Sector originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"One of the most common questions I receive from investors is, where should money be invested to generate income," notes Jim Powell.

In his Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he suggests, "I think the most attractive way to invest for current income is with selected high-yielding utilities -- like Con Ed (ED) -- and limited partnerships -- such as Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (KMP)."

"Most money market funds pay less than it costs to mail the monthly statements. CDs offer more, but their yields are still pathetic. Even long term Treasuries are only in the 3.4% range. For many retired people, those are poverty level returns.

Continue reading Kinder Morgan (KMP) and Con Ed (ED): Energized income

Kinder Morgan (KMP) and Con Ed (ED): Energized income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"For a pure play in automated and remotely controlled vehicles, consider iRobot (NASDAQ: IRBT)," says Jim Powell. Here's the latest from his Global Changes & Opportunities Report.

"The company is best known for its Roomba vacuum cleaners that wander around the house bumping into everything and setting off security alarms.

"A similar product cleans the surface of swimming pools. iRobot also makes automated mail and product delivery carts for businesses.

Continue reading iRobot (IRBT): From vacuums to military defense

iRobot (IRBT): From vacuums to military defense originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"To invest in the growing personal protection industry, Brinks Home Security Holdings (NYSE: CFL) looks particularly attractive," says Jim Powell in Global Changes & Opportunities Report.

"Brinks Holdings is an October 2008 spin-off from Brinks Company; as its name suggests, Brinks Home Security has a tighter focus than its parent organization that offers security services to banks and other high value businesses.

"I think the emphasis on protecting families from burglary and home invasions is a plus in today's economy.

Continue reading Security from Brinks (CFL)

Security from Brinks (CFL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"A smart grid makes use of coded signals that travel along power lines, much like DSL broadband messages move through the phone telephone," explains growth stock expert Jim Powell.

In Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he looks at two favorite plays on the development of a smart grid: Esco Technologies (NYSE: ESE) and Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR).

"In a smart grid, the signals allow electric meters to report power consumption automatically to suppliers. At the same time, signals can be sent to customer's appliances such as freezers and refrigerators to prevent them from cycling on and off at the same time.

Continue reading Power plays: Investing in a smart grid

Power plays: Investing in a smart grid originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC) should benefit from an update of the nation's power grid," says Jim Powell.

Here, the editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report reviews this leading manufacturer of more efficient high temperature superconductor-based wires and cables.

"I've been writing about infrastructure stocks ever since it became apparent that big federal spending programs were on the way. I believe American Superconductor will perform very well. In fact, its price has already started to rise.

"American Superconductor is not yet profitable. However, the company is well past the development stage. AMSC makes high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires and cables that carry as much as 150 times the current as conventional products of the same weight and diameter.

Continue reading Power grid play: American Superconductor (AMSC)

Power grid play: American Superconductor (AMSC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"One stock that is holding up well and is poised to do well during hard times is Portfolio Recovery Associates (NASDAQ: PRAA), which is America's most effcient debt recovery company," says Jim Powell in Global Changes & Opportunities Report.

"The company -- which has been on our buy list -- has become especially attractive for the economic conditions I expect to see over the next few months, and probably much longer.

"Portfolio Recovery -- which is America's most efficient debt recovery company -- buys packages of non-performing debts from major credit card companies, and typically pays only 2.6% of the total amount owed. With such a low initial cost, it doesn't take a large collection rate to turn a tidy proft.

"As more consumers default on the colossal debts they ran up during the housing boom, the company should see a great deal of new business.

Continue reading Portfolio Recovery (PRAA): Hard times helps debt collector

Portfolio Recovery (PRAA): Hard times helps debt collector originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Defense stocks never looked more attractive than they do now," says Jim Powell, who looks at two favorite ways to play the defense sector.

In Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he says, "The drop in defense stocks has more to do with the overall bear market in stocks than to any problems within the sector itself."

"Recent quarterly earnings from many defense companies are up, with signi?cant gains in revenues and earnings.

"Defense stocks have also been pushed down due to worries that the presidential election might go to Senator Obama, who is not expected to be a strong a supporter of the military. Historically, however, Republican and Democratic spending on defense has been about the same.

"Some investors may also be nervous about buying defense stocks if the U.S. is likely to reduce its presence in Iraq over the next few years.

Continue reading Favorite funds for defense & aerospace

Favorite funds for defense & aerospace originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Even with the poor outlook for the economy, there are many investment opportunities being created by high energy prices and the low dollar," notes Jim Powell. In his Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he explains, "American 'rust belt companies' look especially good."

"Surprisingly, rising fuel prices are making some American manufacturers more competitive and I could not be happier about the improved outlook for many efficient U.S. producers.

"U.S. machine tool makers are starting to take back some of the business they lost to Japan 20 years ago. U.S. imports of Chinese steel are declining dramatically, while domestic production is rising at rates not seen in years.

"The list of U.S. businesses that are benefiting from the new trade relationships will lengthen, but it won't happen overnight. It's not just a matter of being loyal to the home team. America will benefit from creating more real wealth instead of the flim-flam financial products that led to the phony boom.

Continue reading American favorites: Rust-belt resurgence?

American favorites: Rust-belt resurgence? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"African investments will be volatile and they may take years to mature," cautions Jim Powell, editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report.

Nevertheless, the advisor explains, "I believe the emergence of Africa is an important development that should be represented in your portfolio." Here he looks at two opportunities in the resource-rich region.

"The richest remaining deposits of natural resources on earth are in Africa. And a resource race is starting as America and China are in a quiet struggle in Africa to secure the resources they must have to keep their industrial economies running.

"Many African resources are untapped because most developers have been unwilling to sink billions of dollars into the region's many unstable countries.

"But with natural resource prices soaring, however, Africa's risks are now worth taking. Since 2006, publicly-listed oil companies have tripled their spending in the region.

"And few investors have yet to realize Africa's potential. However, if mainstream investors discover the region, prices could go up very quickly. Either way, I believe Africa will deliver excellent profits for at least a decade, and probably far longer.

Continue reading Africa: 'Emerging hot spot' for resources

Africa: 'Emerging hot spot' for resources originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As the price of energy soars, I am convinced wealthy countries will turn to the one remaining fossil fuel that is still in abundance: coal," notes growth stock expert Jim Powell.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report, "Given the high price of oil, the coal-to-liquid fuel industry is starting to take off. One company that should profit handsomely is Headwaters (NYSE: HW)." Here is his review.

"To make coal available for most applications, it must be converted to gasoline and diesel fuel. Fortunately, that process is cost effective when oil costs over $40 a barrel. Since oil is now over twice that price, the coal-to-liquid fuel industry is starting to take off.

"Coal isn't without its critics. When burned, it gives off greenhouse gasses and other pollutants. However, technologies exist that solve those problems. With oil at current levels, it pays to implement the cleanup
processes and put coal to work.

"Headwaters should profit handsomely from the growing demand for coal. The company developed technology that changes the chemical composition of coal into high value products, including petrochemicals that are usually made from oil.

Continue reading Coal-to-liquid fires up Headwaters (HW)

Coal-to-liquid fires up Headwaters (HW) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"I think an excellent way to profit from higher silver prices is to buy Silver Standard Resources (NASDAQ: SSRI)," says Jim Powell in Growth Stock Alert. Here's his new buy.

"Unlike gold mining companies, of which there are dozens, there are only five major publicly-traded silver producers. The limited number of investment options concentrates Wall Street's interest when silver is hot, and can send prices sharply up.

"Silver Standard controls the world's largest published in-ground silver resources of any publicly-traded silver company. The company has properties in Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Canada, the U.S. and Australia. All
properties have either been purchased (a rarity in the mining industry) or optioned at a fraction of the current
silver price.

"In an industry where most silver is found as a by-product from mining other metals, it is also significant that the company's output is approximately 72% silver. The remaining metals produced are gold, tin, zinc, copper and lead - none of which is more than 8% of the total output.

"Silver Standard's status as a pure-play further concentrates interest in the company when silver is in the spotlight. Silver Standard is also leveraged by the high cost of extracting the metal.

"Once silver prices cross the breakeven point, nearly every dollar goes to profits. Silver Standard must be considered speculative. But if you are willing to accept the risk, and a probable roller coaster ride, the stock could be very rewarding."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Silver Standard (SSRI): Powell's pick for silver originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Water is the sleeper investment of the decade," says Jim Powell. "Although the world is focused on energy, clean water is in far shorter supply in many regions. That's even true in many parts of the U.S."

The editor of Growth Stock Alert suggests, "A great deal of money will be made by today's earlybird investors who buy strategic water stocks." Here are his favorites in the sector.

"Unlike oil, there is no substitute for water. Some investors mistakenly think that water is a low value commodity that's not likely to deliver good profits. What the critics fail to consider is the equipment needed to
obtain, purify, transport and recycle water is very expensive.

"Calgon Carbon (NYSE: CCC) is my first choice in a water stock. The company is the world's largest supplier of
granulated activated carbon, the principal purification agent for water. The company also supplies complete treatment systems for municipalities and private organizations.

"The company has 16 operating centers and 23 sales and service offices around the world. A few years ago

, the company expanded its purification business to include industrial liquids and gasses. Rising concerns about greenhouse emissions and other pollutants are giving Calgon Carbon another boost.

"I also recommend ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT), the world's leading supplier of systems that move and purify
water. The company's treatment equipment is sold throughout the world under the Sanitaire, Aquious and WEDECO brands.

Continue reading Investing in water: A 'sleeper' sector

Investing in water: A 'sleeper' sector originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.