The "Halftime Report" traders discuss their top plays amid a global sell-off.

Josh Brown bought the XLE today. While it's seen significant losses year-to-date, it's an attractive play since it includes some of the biggest companies in the world. Brown doesn't know if we've seen the bottom, but he thinks now is the time to buy given general pessimism in the markets.

Steve Weiss shorted BHP Billiton today. It's up more than 5% but nothing's gotten better, he argues. On Weiss' watch list are master limited partnerships, specifically PAA, because it has lots of financing and yield. He does note, however, that within the space you have to be careful and choose your fund wisely.

Pete Najarian is watching the energy sector--specifically Exxon and Chevron--for any significant intraday moves.

Jon Najarian is looking at Marathon Oil. Down 40% over the past month, he jumped into the beaten down name after seeing lots of options activity in the stock.

Trader disclosure: On January 14, 2016 the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC's "Halftime Report" were owned by the "Halftime Report" traders:

Pete Najarian: Long AAPL, BAC, BKE, BMY, BP, DIS,DISCA, FOXA, GE, KO, MRK, PEP, PFE. Long calls A, AAL, ABX, BAC, BX, CHS,CMI, COP, DAL, EMR, GDX, GE, HAIN, HUN, LC, MOS, MSFT, NRF, NRG, PNR, POT, UAL,VZ, WMB, WYNN, YDKN, ZIOP. Long puts FCX, MRO

Jon Najarian: Long calls ACHN, ALB, AMLP, ASNA,BWLD, GDX, KATE, KSS, MCD, MDLZ, MRO, MSFT, ODP, ORCL, XOM, TGT. Long puts MTW

Josh Brown: Long AAPL, BABA, DE, DNKN, FB,JMBA, LOW, NFLX, SAM, SHAK, SPWR, TWTR, XLE, XON

Steve Weiss: Long AAL, C. Short FCX, BHP, COH