By Jim Powell, Global Changes & Opportunities Report

Since the presidential race could go either way, the smart way to play the election is to focus on investments that will appreciate no matter which candidate wins.

Fortunately, there are several powerful trends in the world today that are largely independent of politics. Here's a look at  three timely investment areas: natural gas, technology and housing.

Natural gas
No matter who wins the presidency, the development of cheap North American natural gas (NG) will continue to accelerate.

The best companies in the NG industry will deliver billions of dollars in gains to investors who take positions now and hang onto them. In my opinion, NG will be a long-term slam dunk profit maker.

My top natural gas recommendation continues to be Cheniere Energy (LNG). Japan's recent decision to phase out nuclear power by 2030 makes it the most recent country to become a major NG importer, but there are many others.

With NG prices in most foreign markets over three times what they are in North America, Cheniere should prosper for many years. The stock has remained mostly flat since my March recommendation, but its day is coming.

I think long-term investors should also consider buying more EnCana (ECA), a premier natural gas producer. EnCana's stock reflects the fall in natural gas prices.

Long term, however, energy prices will rise significantly, and so will the value of the company's shares. After my March recommendation, EnCana rose modestly from $19.52 to $21.89, but its largest gains are still on the way.

Technology
Both presidential candidates, and the parties they represent, are pro technology. Even if they weren't, the sector would continue to advance.

Technological contributions to productivity are allowing U.S. companies to compete effectively with China and other low-cost countries. Technology is central to a U.S. economic revival.

Our two blue-chip technology innovators are Intel (INTC) and Cisco Systems (CSCO). Intel is a good dividend engine with a 4% yield. Cisco yields 3%.

It is very unusual for the prices of these two world-class tech stocks to be so low that their yields are greater than Treasuries pay. When it happened in the past, the stocks soon moved up.

Housing
As with technology, the housing sector has the support of both presidential candidates. It is also true, that their support is not necessary.

The deeply oversold housing sector is coming back on its own. Sales rose 2% in August, and are likely to continue to increase by fits and starts for several years.

Our recommendations in the sector include Toll Brothers (TOL), a luxury homebuilder, and Equity Residential (EQR), a real estate investment trust focused on multi-family properties.

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