"Silver may become the next commodity China runs up in price, just as it's done with oil, copper and uranium," exp,ains Peter Krauthis.

Here, the 20-year gold market veteran -- and newest member of The Money Map Reporter team -- looks at the outlook for silver, and the best way to invest in the metal: iShares Silver Trust (NYSE: SLV).

"After 50 years of forbidding precious metals ownership, China's government is now taking the opposite path -- encouraging its citizens to invest in silver. Chinese investors can now buy silver bullion in 500 gram, 1, 2, and 5 kilo bars.

Continue reading Money Map leads to silver

Money Map leads to silver originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Natural gas is one of the world's most-sought-after fuels; not only is it cleaner burning and more efficient than traditional fossil fuels, it's also more efficient to transport," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In his always-intriguing The Money Map Reporter, he explains, "Our latest featured idea is Bermuda-based Teekay LNG Partners LP (NYSE: TGP), a liquid natural gas shipper which we consider a safe port in any economic storm."

"Many investors don't realize that liquid natural gas (LNG) comes from Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and other faraway places - transported by specially designed ships - and that we don't have the industrial capacity to meet modern-day demand.

"Teekay LNG Partners LP is a publicly traded master limited partnership formed by Teekay Corp. (NYSE: TK), a provider of international transportation services for petroleum products.

"The company provides marine transportation services for LNG through a fleet of ships that it owns or operates under various long-term contracts known as 'time charters.' These 15 to 20-year pacts are reached with such major energy companies.

Continue reading Teekay LNG (TGP): Shipping profits in natural gas

Teekay LNG (TGP): Shipping profits in natural gas originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Oil prices have made the headlines recently," says Martin Hutchinson in The Money Map Reporter. "But the miracle fuel of the 19th Century is coal, the forgotten fossil fuel."

"Coal is located primarily in politically stable, friendly countries - most notably the U.S. market itself. Coal prices have zoomed northward during the past year. The current spot price is around $135 per metric ton, more than double the level of a year ago. Meanwhile, coal production is running way ahead of forecasts.

"In 2005, the World Coal Institute reported production of 4,970 million metric tons, up 78% over 25 years. The main reason for coal's growth is that 80% of China's power needs and 65% of India's come from coal-fired stations.

"Since both India and China are expected to quadruple their power consumption by 2030, most of that increase must come from coal-fired stations. What are the best buys in the sector?

Continue reading Coal: The 'real black gold'

Coal: The 'real black gold' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 May 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We are looking for companies that are expanding rapidly in international markets, sporting respectable yields, and offer solid management and a history of big results," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In his Money Map Reporter, he says, "There are a few gems out there. And one such company is Celanese Corp. (NYSE: CE).

"Celanese is the world's largest supplier of acetyl products, including acetic acid and vinyl acetate. What's important to understand is that CE makes 'building block' chemicals based on acetate.

"These chemicals are in almost every household in the world. It specializes in making acid products that others use to create things like plastics, cigarette filters, emulsions, alcohols, acetate products and even food ingredients.

"Not only is CE the world's largest supplier of this specialized material; it also enjoys a huge competitive advantage, based on lower production costs and economies of scale. In fact, 95% of CE's products are number one or number two in their respective markets.

Continue reading Celanese (CE): A chemical 'gem'

Celanese (CE): A chemical 'gem' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The recent decline in gold from above $1,000 is prompting gold bears to say that the great gold bull market has reversed itself," says Martin Hutchinson who states, "Let me say right now: They're wrong."

In his Money Map Reporter, he explains, "Thanks to three key catalysts, we may well see gold at $1,500 an ounce this year, if not higher." Here's his outlook and a trio of ways to play this trend.

"These three catalysts - worldwide monetary policy, global supply-and-demand for gold, and gold's past performance - have already ignited a powerful rally that's virtually certain to carry gold to much higher price points, despite the breather the rally appears to be taking right now.

"Don't be fooled. Every rally needs a catalyst - something that ignites and then fuels the bullish trend. As noted above, gold has three. Let's take a look at each of them:

1. Monetary policy: More than for any other investment, gold's price depends primarily on the world's monetary policy. When monetary policy is loose, as it was in the 1970s, gold prices soar. When it is tight, as in the 1980s, prices decline sharply.

Continue reading Trio of catalysts set to boost gold

Trio of catalysts set to boost gold originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Longer term, history suggests that Citigroup (NYSE: C) will be one of the best turnaround plays out there -- if we have the intestinal fortitude to stick it out," says Keith Fitz-Gerald in The Money Map Reporter.

"Based on Travelers alone, Citi's breakup value is roughly 30% higher than where it is trading today. Other business lines suggest even more money on the table.

"That is why we want to be net buyers at these levels just like some of the smartest money on the planet, including companies like PIMCO and even investors such as Wilber Ross who are legendary for buying on the cheap.

"That doesn't mean there won't be more down days to come or that we won't hate every day we own Citi, but the financial sector is essential to the economy and being able to buy in for 25 cents on the dollar makes sense for any savvy investor looking to the longer term.

Continue reading Money Map points to Citi (C)

Money Map points to Citi (C) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.