Andrew Gordon has published a comprehensive downturn investment strategy guide. He picks seven sectors that he believes offer outstanding growth opportunities. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is a clear commodity-based theme…

Mining: the latest “wisdom” from Wall Street is that commodities have or are in the process of peaking. Don’t believe it. The 95 percent increase in iron ore prices negotiated between China and Rio Tinto a couple of weeks ago shows how ridiculous that line of thinking is. (My favorite mining-related company: Bucyrus (BUCY)).                 

Energy: with energy prices this high, there has to be some good investments out there and there are, but it’s not in Big Oil. I like a medium sized oil company from South Africa called Sasol (SSL).

Fertilizers: This sector is a little more volatile than I would ideally like. And fertilizer companies have gone up a great deal already. Potash Corp. (POT) seems to be the favorite among analysts, but I like Terra Industries (TRA) better.

Oil support/transport: Some analysts like the pipelines. I like the rig companies better. Helmerich & Payne (HP) is an outstanding one.

Health care: Following the Boomer into their old age can’t be a bad strategy. Medical Properties (MPW) is a real interesting health care REIT with loads of upside.

Alt Energy: Solar rocks. Now that China has had their 50 percent correction, I’m liking Suntech Power (STP) all over again.

Precious metals. Gold and silver are going up, baby. The ETF GLD rises with the price of gold. That’s sounds good to me.

Everyone should have a recessionary handbook in their back pocket. This is mine.

Source:  The “Seven Up” Recessionary Handbook