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.

"Trading near its all-time high, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) -- my top idea for 2009 -- is a true relative-strength leader," says Ryan Detrick.

The technical analyst with Schaeffer's Investment Research, explains, "With the shares near their all-time high, MCD is a true relative-strength leader. Technically, the stock continues to find support from its rising 20-month moving average, as this trendline has provided support since mid-2003.

"McDonalds is the world's largest fast-food chain, with more than 31,000 restaurants worldwide. Given the record job losses and deteriorating worldwide economy, MCD should continue to do well as consumers will downgrade to more affordable dining options.

"Or as CEO Jim Skinner put it, 'McDonald's seems well positioned for recession. In bad times, people think twice about where to spend money when going out for food.'

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.

"First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) is my favorite speculative idea for 2008," says relative strength technician Dan Sullivan, editor of The Chartist.

"First Solar is the fastest growing manufacturer of solar modules in the world. And that's just the beginning. The company manufactures solar modules with an advanced thin film semiconductor process that significantly lowers solar electricity costs.

"Offering clean renewable electricity at affordable prices enables First Solar to provide an economic alternative to peak conventional electricity and fossil fuels.

"The solar module maker recorded a significant increase in revenue, easily beating Wall Street estimates. The company earned $46 million, or 58 cents per share, compared with $4.3 million, or 7 cents per share in the year-ago period.

Garmin International (NASDAQ: GRMN) is the latest Spotlight Stock from relative strength expert Dan Sullivan. The editor of The Chartist newsletter explains, "Since the time Garmin's GPS handheld units were first used in the Gulf War, the company has build a reputation for innovation, quality products and superior customer service."

He continues, "Its GPS products employs a proprietary integrated circuit and receiver designed to collect, calculate and display location, direction, sped as well as other information depending on the specific use of the customer.

Products, he notes, are sold in more than 100 countries with its consumer products being sold through retails chains, consumer electronic stores, sporting good, marine retailers and catalogs.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a favorite speculative pick for 2007 from Dan Sullivan, editor of The Chartist. The advisor, who specializes in relative strength, notes, "IGT is a leading designer and maker of microprocessor-based gaming devices, including video poker machines and video and reel-spinning slot machines.

"Due to its market share, financial strength, and innovative game designs, IGT is well-positioned to benefit from industry growth both in the U.S. and abroad. Many states have -- or are considering -- legalizing or expanding gaming as a way to generate tax revenue. Currently, casino gambling is legal in 20 states. And increasingly slot machines are being introduced to race tracks across the country.

"Also, many of the old-style machines, which are not chip-based, are candidates for replacement as casinos strive to provide the newest and hottest games for their gamblers. Both areas should be a strong revenue source for IGT over the next several years.