Laura Cadden of Today’s Financial News points out that the “commodity choice for investors” is Lithium. With the high global demand and the U.S. governments’ plan to invest over $2 billion on hybrid technology,  Lithium is a smart investment.

If it’s good enough for Wal-Mart… Looks like the discounting model pioneered by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailing giant, will make its way to some rather unlikely high-end retailers: Barney’s New York Inc. and Neiman Marcus Inc. have announced significant price reductions (up to 75%) over the next few days to avoid a disastrous holiday shopping season.

We all know about the challenges Barack Obama faces as President elect. But David Fessler says he also has an incredible opportunity to “turn the recession ship around.” David selects seven companies in the infrastructure and clean energy sectors that will profit most from an Obama ‘New Deal’.

Visa and MasterCard Settle Up; Daimler’s Plant Closures; Apple’s Christmas Bargain; Johnson Controls’ Weak Outlook; Gas Prices Down 23% From July; U.S. Budget Deficit the Highest Ever; Pepsi Fizzles

Ford (NYSE:F) and General Motors (NYSE:GM) are trading around 15-year lows, as high fuel costs have devastated the industry.

But Detroit’s big automakers offer an opportunity for the contrarian investor, says Christian Hill in today’s Early to Rise. Bankruptcy for either is highly unlikely, given the knock-on implications for a whole region of suppliers.

With limited downside risk and considerable upside potential, Christian says it’s time to view these two companies as long-term recovery investments.