"A new era could be dawning in Taiwan," says Asia region expert Keith Fitz-Gerald. Here, the editor of The New China Trader looks at an ETF and a mutual fund favorite to benefit from this forecast.

"While there were many reasons we recommended investing in Taiwan, perhaps the single most important was the potential for Taiwan to assume its role as 'China's real beneficiary.'

"We have been reasoning that President-elect Ma Ying-jeou would be far more interested in working with China than antagonizing it, as his predecessor did. We have also suggested that he would 'get on it' sooner rather than later by making relations with China a top priority.

"Indeed, Vice President-elect, Vincent Siew has already 'unofficially' met with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines at the Boao Forum for Asia. While it's too early to pass judgment, it could set the stage for a new era based on the friendly nature of the meeting according to observers.

"It could also set the stage for a longer-term pan-Asian economic boom. That would be great for the region but especially China and Taiwan, which have had bone-chillingly cold relations for years.

"For China, a fresh start is important because it would allow Beijing to demonstrate peaceful intentions at a time when Tibet and the Summer Olympics have become a lightning rod for all things Chinese.

"For Taiwan, a thawing would lead to new economic development and, we think, previously unheard of levels of business interaction. It would also potentially carry huge trade volumes and stability into the surrounding countries.

"And that's why we reiterate that you buy iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (ASE: EWT) as well as U.S. Investors China Regional Opportunity Fund (USCOX)."

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.

"My favorite conservative stock for 2008 is Aegon (NYSE: AEG), a large diversified life insurance and pension services company headquartered in the Netherlands," says Sy Harding, editor of Street Smart Investing.

"Aegon conducts 73% of its business in the Americas, 14% in the United Kingdom, and 11% in the Netherlands. Value Line estimates the company's revenue will grow by 10% in 2007, with earnings per share rising 8%.

"The company has been on an impressive growth track since 2005, and its goal is to double the level of its 2005 business by the year 2010. With 2007 revenues running 48% higher than 2005, the company seems well on its way to achieving that goal.

"Demand for Aegon's products and services should continue in 2008 as longer life expectancies provide a growing demand for pensions and other retirement needs. And in December 2007, Aegon finalized a joint venture agreement with Taishin Financial Holdings Co., headquartered in Taiwan.

"We've scoured the world for stable businesses with high yields and the potential for currency-based gains," says Martin Weiss.

In his Safe Money Report he notes that he is focused on firms with steady, stable businesses. And two global telecoms that fit this profile are Telecom Corp. of New Zealand (NYSE: NZT) and Chunghwa Telecom (NYSE: CHT).

He explains, "Telecom Corp. of New Zealand is benefiting from both the strong New Zealand economy and the continuing sharp rise in the NZ dollar. Right now, the company is in the midst of a debate with the government over how to split up its operations."

He continues, "The government wants a reorganization that will promote phone competition and boost high-speed Internet use. NZT wants to make sure any changes won't prove too costly or complex. It's too soon to predict the details, but we're confident that any plan will treat all parties fairly -- including shareholders."