Time to Load Up on Fertilizer Stocks? Springtime is usually the season when the farming community begins to spread fertilizer on their fields.

Capital flows to emerging markets are likely to plunge this year. And countries with low domestic savings or wide external deficits will suffer badly. Martin Hutchinson picks the five best emerging market etfs to hold in 2009.

Look no further than Singapore if you want forecast the economic health of emerging markets in Asia. And based on newly revised numbers from one the region’s crown jewels, investors won’t see much profits coming out of Asia any time soon.

The explosive growth of cell-phone subscriptions indicate that emerging markets could rebound in the coming years – giving investors a heads up of impending profits.

Like much of the world, China is going through a rough patch. But Louis Basenese says there are many reasons why now is the perfect time to invest.  He recommends four companies for big gains when the market gets back to winning ways.

Coal may be a dirty word in the clean energy movement. But David Fessler says the realities of global energy markets means it is going to be a key source of power in the coming decades. He says investors should include coal in their energy portfolio, and recommends three of the best ways to do it.

The breakdown of international trade is key threat to the global economy in 2009, says Chris Mayer. Several countries have already taken action to protect domestic industries, including the US with its auto bailout. If this trend continues, Chris says the global downturn could become even deeper than imagined.

China’s bold measures to confront the economic crisis make it a great place to invest, says Don Miller. And the best places to find profits are in infrastructure, consumer goods and energy sectors. Don gives seven stocks that have a bright future in China’s economic growth story.

The trillions of dollars that Washington is throwing at beleaguered American industries could have unforeseen consequences in the longer term viability of domestic investment opportunities. Washington’s handouts may come at the expense of funding important R&D projects that could give the U.S. a long-term competitive edge that it appears to be losing to Asia.

After falling 35% in 2008, US stocks are now trading at only 10.6 times forecast earnings, well below the historical average. But are they good value yet? Martin Hutchinson says it will depend on the sector and country. He picks the biggest bull and bear markets for 2009.