It's important to increase your exposure to hard assets during difficult times. But instead of turning to oil or gold stocks, consider this little-known asset instead.

With technology evolving and no barriers to entry, this company's stock is vastly overpriced and ready for shorting.

This stock is not only a core holding for good times, but also in bad times. When everyone else panics, you'll want to double up on these shares for their tangible assets and solid dividend.

This poorly understood company is growing +20% year after year, while its stock is currently undervalued by at least half.

Luxury purchases got destroyed in this recession, and this company's product was no exception. Through shrewd maneuvering, it has survived by the skin of its teeth and is reinventing itself.

With the economy struggling, consumers stopped spending money on having fun. But now that appears to be changing, and this company could emerge from the edge of a lowball buyout to big returns.

These stocks should be at the core of any investor's portfolio because they will never, ever go out of style.

This company makes a product in its heyday, but like other fads, it will one day collapse -- unless it innovates very soon. In the meantime, investors should short this stock.

In a disastrous environment for retail, one overlooked and misunderstood diversified play stands above the rest and could rocket higher when the economy improves.

Investing in a company that Goldman Sachs went public with, and still holds a stake in, is one of the better moves you can make in an uncertain market.