Shipping Industry Ready to Set Sail

Compared to all the industries that pitfall in 2009 due to the Credit crunch, none were more viciously attacked than the Shippers and Tankers.  Seeing these horrendous numbers many people would be lead to think that global trade had come to a complete halt judging by the price action on shipping stocks.  Not even the Financial Markets were hurt this bad as the Shippers suffered as much as a -94% plunge in 2008.  It was only in May where we saw the Baltic Dry Index, which tracks daily cargo rates aorund the world.  hit an all-time high of 11,793.  At this time commodity prices were still on a constant climb and commodity buyers were paying anything for shipping.  It also seemed as if the U.S. sub-prime crisis was in check which left some confidence in world trade which led Shipping stocks to all-time highs.  Since May however this industry has felt the perfect storm being attacked by the Recession which has hampered global trade and lead to the downward fall of shipping prices.  With the credit crunch making it hard for companies to borrow money Commodities were piling up at ports.  Large Ships which were being leased out for $230,000 a day in May had fallen to $7,340 by November.  This barely covers the basic cost of running the ship.  In the meantime as well the Baltic Dry Index plunged to 764.  Unless people stop eating and building, trade will continue to grow and this industry will be revived as it is a critical factor as we grow into a Global Economy.  With huge investments in Infrastructure in Asia and now big Infrastructure plans set out by President Barack Obama, commodities levels will rise as a result buyers will be willing to pay anything for shipping.  When it does these stocks will have monster rebounds with some gaining triple digit returns.  Some of these companies alone offer 20% dividends.  It is an  investors paradise.  I especially like cash-rich shippers who specialize in both Asia and Brazil trade.  So now you the question is which Shippers to put your money in?  There are four main shippers which i love at this time and they are:  Genco Shipping and Trade (GNK), Nordic American Tanker (NAT), TBSI International Limited (TBSI), and DryShips Inc. (DRYS).  All of these stocks offer strong dividends and l0ok to be some of the strongest rebound performers in 2009.