Energy prices continue to tumble on recession fears and a US dollar rally. For investors that are long-term bullish on energy markets, this represents a great buying opportunity, says Andrew Snyder. He expects coal producers like Massey (NYSE:MEE), Peabody (NYSE:BTU) and James River Coal (NYSE:JRCC) to see big increases in their valuations in the coming year.

Google Doesn’t Disappoint; Jobless Claims Drop but Remain High; Peabody’s Third Quarter Lights Out; Nucor Profit Doubles; Nokia’s Profit Dip; AMD Narrows Loss; Hershey’s Sweet Surprise; Citi’s Consumer Credit Woes

The recent buyout of Alpha Natural Resources Inc. (ANR) by Cleveland Cliffs Inc. (CLF) could ignite more than $50 billion worth of M&A deals in the U.S. coal industry over the next few years as Mainland China rushes to solve a major energy shortfall.

Crude oil is grabbing the headlines but it’s coal and uranium that together provide nearly half the world’s power.

The latest news coming from local electricity companies is a lot like a kick in the teeth for most people… after they’ve been knocked to the ground.