In a recent On Wall Street poll, only 17.3% of respondents said they were optimistic following the win of President-elect Barack Obama. An overwhelming 42.3% said they were more pessimistic.

The remainder said the election hadn't changed their view. Those results reflect the fact that 61.2% of those who answered a previous poll about who they were supporting in this historic election backed Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Whether you're a pessimist or an optimist; Republican or Democrat (or Independent), one thing is clear: The new administration has a tough road ahead. The economy is still reeling from the housing and credit crises. The Dow dropped precipitously in the days following the election while jobless claims soared. The financial services industry is still suffering and automakers are begging for relief.

Among the challenges that confront the Obama administration is the financial regulatory system that so many critics insist is broken. In "The Obama Agenda: Reforming Regulation," several political/financial experts give their views on what's ahead. From a comprehensive overhaul of the system to just how deeply the government will entangle itself in the private banking sector, these knowledgeable insiders list the different tacks that the country's new chief executive can take to improve and streamline the regulatory system that will affect all of us.

Meanwhile, investors are looking for safe havens. This month, in Sector Savvy and in our Wealth column "Panning For Gold" by Tim Knepp, we focus on gold and other precious metals. Knepp urges the buying of gold through exchange-traded funds or finding some gems among individual gold mining stocks. Most analysts are still bullish on this sector despite the volatility and the prospect that demand for industrial metals such as silver, platinum and palladium could wane.

With all the changes that lie ahead, advisors still need to keep their eyes on the prize, which is helping their clients realize their financial goals and dreams. With that in mind, this month's cover story highlights this year's "Top 40 Advisors Under 40." Their assets under management range from $516 million for the 40th member of the list to $3.42 billion for each of our top two winners.

Their success strategies during all this economic turmoil range from relying on certificates of deposit and principal-protected notes to dividend-paying stocks and cash equivalents. The types of clients they handle vary as well. Some focus on venture capital and private equity investors. Others have built their books of business around 50-year-old entrepreneurs who have sold their companies. Still others have found favor with highly-compensated corporate executives or clients in the oil trade.

Despite the differences in investing strategies or customer base, the advisors share certain traits, especially paying close attention to the needs of clients, more so now that times are tough. So go to our profiles of this year's winners and learn what it takes to be a success in this fiercely competitive and difficult market today.