But coal stocks, on the other hand, continue to appreciate in value. That’s why I feel that every Taipan reader (like you) needs to own some upside exposure to the coal sector. Today’s Chart of the Day offers you a look at one stock pick.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, China and India will account for 70% of the world’s coal consumption increases over the next two decades, and this demand is not about to stop anytime soon. Roughly 66% of the world’s coal is used to fuel electrical plants, and the remainder goes into steel and concrete production.

That makes coal a global play on energy and infrastructure.

That’s why I like Fording Canadian Coal Trust (FDG:NYSE). It’s enjoyed current coal contract rates running as high as $275 per ton — compared to the $93 per ton it charged in 2007. This incredible year-over-year coal price increase makes it easy to predict that shares of FDG will hit $100 by Q4 of 2008.

Bryan Bottarelli, Bottarelli Research

Source: Weak Markets? Not for Coal Stocks