"Global steel producers are thriving, and their stocks are hitting new highs," note Yiannis Mostrous and Roger S. Conrad, who add, "But the best is yet to come."

In the industry-leading Personal Finance, the two advisors explain, "We're still in the early stage of a truly global bull market cycle for steel, and the companies best positioned to take advantage are headed a lot higher." Here, they look at their "Iron Five."

"As is the case with other building blocks of economic growth, steel is enjoying explosive demand from the developing world. And with the world expanding as never before, steel companies are literally selling as fast as they can produce.

"In the August 2007, we highlighted five first-rate global steel producers. Since then, they've returned an average of 67.4%, versus a decline of 3.7% for the S&P 500.

"The Iron Five are five picks that we believe are ripe for even bigger gains. Like the last group, these stocks are often volatile. They're also vulnerable to the possibility of a general stock market slide and most of all to a dip in global demand growth, particularly from China.

"Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal (NYSE: MT) is the only truly global steel manufacturer, operating in 60 countries on five continents," says Gordon Pape.

In his Internet Wealth Builder, he explains, "Like all steel companies, ArcelorMittal would be temporarily affected by a world recession but as a long-term international growth stock for your portfolio, it should be a winner."

"When you read through MT's 2007 annual report, you are left with the impression of a company with an insatiable appetite for growth. In just one year, MT entered into a joint venture deal for a steel mill in Saudi Arabia and built a new steel service centre in Poland.

"It also completed the acquisition of Sicarsta in Mexico, thereby creating that country's largest steel producer; received mining concessions in Senegal and purchased a 77% stake in a German gas distribution company to add to its regional energy network.

"It also bought a 51% stake in one of Turkey's largest steel companies and a 70% position in an Italian steel distributor; bought 100% of an Estonian steel galvanizing line.

"Recent weakness in commodities is just a pause to breathe , not the beginning of the end," says Yiannis Mostrous in Vital Resource Investor. His favorite copper play? Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (NYSE: FCX).

"Most investors aren't able to grasp this commodities cycle's massive potential. The main reason is that few investors are willing to accept the big transformation that's taking place in several emerging market economies, led by China and India.

"We've been advocating this change for quite some time. And after several years of doing so, investors are more receptive. However, they're not totally convinced yet.

"This is the main reason this bull market in emerging markets and commodities has another strong leg up before it reaches all-time highs. But we're far from that point. Meanwhile, copper remains one of our favorite metals.

"Our long-standing recommendation to take advantage of copper's strength is Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold. Copper suffered from supply challenges along with investors' underestimation of its potential early in the year.

"You must own some gold in this economic environment," emphasizes natural resources authority Larry Edelson who sees the recent setback in gold prices as "an ideal time to buy."

The editor of Real Wealth offers two "core" favorites for those seeking to invest in the sector: streetTRACKS Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) and Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY). Here is his review.

"Gold represents the epitome of the natural resource boom. It is the world's best barometer of inflation and financial crises. When inflation is on the rise, as it is now all over the world, gold thrives.

"And when there are financial crises, as we now have with the plunging dollar and the meltdown in the mortgage markets in the U.S. - gold gets an extra boost. Savvy investors flock to the safety of the precious metal, pushing its price even higher.

"In addition, there's more to the bull market in gold than just inflation and financial problems in the United States. Three billion new consumers in Asia are buying gold hand over fist! Previously in China, investors were not allowed to own gold. Now they can, and they are buying up gold like crazy.

Technician Yola Edwards had forecast a rise in gold to $1032; it rose to $1034, before correcting. In her Edwards Charts she offers a technical outlook for gold, Goldcorp (NYSE: GG) and Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX).

"Gold exceeded my $1032.50 level by posting an intraday high just shy of $1034 but it turned on a dime and plunged over a US$100. The daily chart now indicates prices are oversold according to the MACD and RSI as the price bounces off support at the lower Bollinger band.

"However, a negative bias remains. A corrective wave four will retrace to the top of wave 1 at about US$865 if the decline holds true to theory, which should be viewed as a buying opportunity as the fifth advancing wave should see gold rally to about $1145 over the next four months.

"Goldcorp has traced out a 'U' shaped bottom over the past two years and is now in a consolidation phase. Since pulling back from its high two weeks ago the month ended with a type of spinning top which halted the previous decline.

"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.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"Everyone should have some gold, but it is an individual decision as to what best fits one's risk tolerance and personal financial makeup," says resources expert Curtis Hesler, editor of Professional Timing Service.

"Bullion in some form, be it bullion coins or bullion ETF's like StreetTracks Gold ETF (NYSE: GLD), should be fitted into one's portfolio -- for diversification, if no other reason. I would consider this a top speculative idea for 2008.

"However, be mindful that bullion profits, even in the ETF form, are taxed at a higher rate than gold-mining stocks. So, bullion ETF's are perhaps best held in a tax-sheltered account, but that is an individual call."

According to Roger Conrad and Yiannis Mostrous, "Resource stocks are by nature volatile. The important thing is we're still very much in a long-term bull market. And when the market mood does shift, today's pain will convert very quickly to massive gain."

In Vital Resource Investor they explain, "There is ongoing consolidation in this sector and the recent setback in stock prices make deals more attractive for acquirers." Here, they look at Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (NYSE: RIO), a play on consolidation in the iron ore industry.

"And when the market mood does shift, today's pain will convert very quickly to massive gain. The long-term underpinnings for vital resources are strong as ever: Soaring demand from the world's emerging growth engines, a growing scarcity of easily accessed supplies, rising development costs, resurgent resource nationalism and ongoing sector consolidation.

"It's this last trend that's captured our attention lately. Importantly, when it comes to developing vital resources profitably, size is essential. This year has already witnessed two mega-deals: Freeport Copper & Gold (NYSE: FCX) has bought Phelps Dodge and Rio Tinto (NYSE: RTP) purchased Alcan.

"And we're certain to see many more announced in coming months. The recent dance between BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP) and its giant rival suggest the need to get bigger is greater than ever. Even if it doesn't succeed, the proposed merger is already increasing rivals' urge to merge.

"One of the best way to capture lower-risk commodity exposure is through funds that invest in Canada," says Mark Salzinger, noting "Much of Canada's economy is tied to natural resources."

In his The No-Load Fund Investor, the long-standing fund expert looks to two ways to invest north of the border: iShares MSCI Canada ETF (ASE: EWC) and Fidelity Canada (FICDX). Here is his review of both.

"Though its population is clustered primarily along its border with the US, Canada is vast: it is the second largest country in the world behind Russia. Unlike most developed countries, Canada is one of the few net exporters of energy.

"As such, the performance of the Canadian stock market has benefited enormously from rising commodity prices over the past several years. Over the past five years, the iShares MSCI Canada ETF has produced a total return of 316%, more than tripling the return of the S&P 500.

"Canada has room to grow its commodities production. Much of its far northern provinces remain untouched by mining or energy interests, and many of its highest potential resources are only now beginning to be exploited.

"Such attractive assets and the growing cash hoards of global natural resources companies have sparked numerous mergers and acquisitions between Canadian companies, further boosting stock prices.

This article is part of a 20 article special report on "Metals, miners and money".

"We have added palladium and platinum miner, Stillwater Mining (NYSE: SWC), to the high-risk, high-return Aggressive Growth portfolio," notes Bill Martin. The editor of FindProfit notes that this portfolio is meant to provide "swing for the fences ideas with home-run return potential."

"Stillwater reported disappointing third quarter earnings, as production fell and costs rose due to labor and production challenges. While results should improve materially in Q4, the company is still behind its original plan for the year.

"Despite these near-term bumps, we believe that SWC is on the cusp of a breakout as prices for palladium and platinum continue to strengthen. Platinum, in particular, has been on fire this year, rising more than 25% to nearly $1,500 per ounce.

"This price rise should add $25 million to SWC's bottom line in 2008. Palladium has also been stronger, rising above $350 per ounce, however, that market still has plenty of runway to move higher.

This article is part of a 20 article special report on "Metals, miners and money".

"Gold's recent move to a new highs clearly reinforces that the metal's six year bull market is alive and well," say leading resources experts Mary Anne and Pamela Aden.

In The Aden Forecast, the sisters -- who have accurately forecast the bull market since its start in 2001 -- explain why they believe this upmove is part of a mega-trend that will last for many years to come.

"As the dollar falls further, gold will continue to head higher. And the unprecedented trade deficit nearly guarantees that the dollar will continue to slide. Lower U.S. interest rates reinforce this as well, and again that'll be good for gold.

"Meanwhile, U.S. dependence on foreign oil and the record high oil price means the trade deficit is going to stay huge. It'll also contribute to inflation by keeping upward pressure on consumer prices.

"So in a way, it's a vicious circle that goes something like this: high oil = large trade deficits = a weak dollar and high inflation. Spending and money creation = inflation, which all = higher gold.

This article is part of a 20 article special report on "Metals, miners and money".

"The Fed's bailout of the mortgage markets has reignited fears of inflation and of a slow-motion meltdown of the dollar," says Mark Skousen, editor of Forecasts & Strategies.

"That makes now a good time to own mining stocks, particularly Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (NYSE: FCX), which made a very smart move in March when it bought Phelps Dodge for $26 billion. The purchase made Freeport the world's largest publicly-traded copper company.

"It now has a huge, long-lived, geographically diverse portfolio of mining assets. And the acquisition of Phelps is producing tens of millions of dollars in unexpected savings. The buy will result in an immediate 30% spike in Freeport's annual sales.

"With Freeport opening a new copper mine in Arizona ahead of schedule this year -- one that will produce at least 240 million pounds of copper per annum -- and the new company enjoying huge new economies of scale, expect this stock to continue its rapid run."

This article is part of a 20 article special report on "Metals, miners and money".

The SPDR S&P Metals & Mining (AMEX: XME), "a play on hard assets, has delivered impressive gains of 52% over the past 12 months," notes Paul Tracy who has added the ETF to the Sector Trading Portfolio of The ETF Authority.

The advisor explains, "While investors shouldn't grow accustomed to red-hot annual gains of 50%, this ETF is an ideal way to gain exposure to this sector." Here is his review.

"XME has been in the right place at the right time. The ETF mirrors the S&P Metals & Mining and invests in hard assets like precious metals (gold), industrial metals (copper, aluminum), steel, and coal.

"According to studies conducted by research firm Ibbotson, this group has a very low correlation with other traditional asset classes, and a modest stake can boost long-term returns with negligible additional risk -- and that has certainly been the case lately.

This article is part of a 20 article special report on "Metals, miners and money".

"If you are relying on traditional investments to pad your nest for the future, the problems stalking the world economy should be a matter of serious concern," cautions Doug Casey, editor of The International Speculator.

"The $2 trillion or so loss in stock market valuations during the August correction is a precursor of what's to come ... in a best case. The worse case is ... much, much worse.

"Which brings me to the opportunity that the crisis is carrying on its back. For any number of reasons, but first and foremost its use as money in all the world's cultures, throughout all recorded history, gold has begun to find renewed favor with in-the-know investors as the currency of last resort.

"Make no mistake, despite gold's rise from its $255 low in April of 2001 to over $800 as I write, so far, only the thinnest of trickles, a minor fraction of global capital, has made it into gold. When the flight to safety really heats up, the price of gold won't just add dollars, it will add digits.

"If that sounds like hyperbole, remember that, unlike the U.S. dollar, which can be created at the speed of light, the available supply of gold is finite and is painfully slow to change.

"This is a great time to be buying in the gold and silver area," says resources expert Adrian Day. In his Global Analyst newsletter, the money manager and advisor explains, "We are focusing on quality companies in the junior resource sector, following what is traditionally the weak summer period for gold prices."

One favorite of the advisor is Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI), which he notes has a strong balance sheet and long-term reserves. He points out that the stock has been held down as would-be acquirer Harmony sells shares.

In addition, he states, "Goldcorp (NYSE: GG) is one of the strong balance sheets, highest growth outlook, more favorable country risk profiles among the senior miners."

Among silver companies, he says, "Silver Standard Resources (NASDAQ: SSRI) has a strong balance sheet (even allowing for a problem in some commercial paper it holds) of C$242 million, including bullion.