Times are tough. But they are not so bad that we should abandon the quest for profits, says Louis Basenese. Buying US Treasury bonds with zero yields is idiotic. Louis gives six alternative investment options with big profit potential.

Obama’s infrastructure plan is still vague. But we know it will be big. And we know there will be great investment opportunities. Martin Denholm picks out the best stock plays in construction, engineering, utilities and raw materials.

Steve McDonald looks ahead to the investment climate in the new year. He sees a bounce in the Dow reaching as high as 11,000. But an economic recovery will depend on whether the Obama administration can restore confidence in the public. For 2009’s top money-makers, Steve picks six high-dividend stocks and two corporate bond plays.

President-elect Barack Obama has promised the biggest infrastructure upgrade America has seen since the 1950s. This is great news for those in the nuts-and-bolts business of construction and repairs. Chris Mayer says Astec Industries (NASDAQ:ASTE) and Northwest Pipe (NASDAQ:NWPX) are two strong companies set to benefit from an Obama stimulus.

Chocolate is one of the world’s best comfort foods. And now the world’s largest bulk chocolate maker might be able to bring investors some relief from the market blues, says Adam Lass. Barry Callebaut AG (SWF:BARN) is planning to start producing in Brazil, where it hopes to tap into a big – and rapidly growing – South American market.

This may turn out to be the week options traders have been waiting for. Since this economic crisis began to unfold in early September, the CBOE’s volatility index (the VIX) has soared to record levels. Only recently has the upward pressure begun to wane.

Today, the situation for the VIX is looking quite intriguing. The highly watched index found the momentum to drop below its 50-day moving average. The VIX is currently indicated at 58.93, just below the moving average’s level slightly above the 60 level.

This is only the second time since the end of August the index has traded below its 50-day average. The last time was in late November and the trend lasted for just a few trading sessions.…

Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE:HPQ) is making big strides even as the economy falls deeper into recession. HP’s superior products and exemplary execution are key factors behind this trend, says Horacio Marquez. And with the stock beaten down by broad market panic, Horacio says the company is a steal. He recommends building up a position in increments over the coming four months.

For some investors and traders, extreme market volatility is a great way to make huge short-term profits. Andrew Snyder says Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) is in dire straits and faces a real threat of bankruptcy. But most of this negativity has been priced into the stock. And an emergency shareholder meeting could provide a short-term jolt for those willing to take on the risk.

We haven’t yet seen the worst of this credit crisis, says Chris Mayer. A lack of funding is forcing farmers to reduce crop planting. And that will soon send commodity prices soaring again. Chris finds five beaten-down fertilizer and irrigation companies that will benefit as agriculture rebounds.

Google Inc. (Nasdaq:GOOG) is well established as internet search-engine champion. And its rapid expansion into other technologies means the company is poised to bounce back strongly when the financial crisis is over. Money Map Report editor Horacio Marquez says the current market downturn provides the perfect opportunity to buy Google stock at a bargain price.