In the world of energy investing, most turn to traditional futures contracts or “Big Oil” companies for exposure to this volatile yet attractive corner of the commodities market. Though there are other viable ways to gain access to the energy space, one segment is often overlooked, and considering its performance in recent years, understandably so. Alternative energy equities were once touted as the “next big thing” in the commodities world, with many believing that the world will sooner rather than later make the switch to clean energy [see What Can You Buy With America's Daily Oil Consumption?]. [click to continue…]
Though it’s nothing compared to recent years, this past year has been marked by uncertainty, prompting investors to return in droves from safe haven accounts to the U.S. stock market. Investors have their eyes fixed on major indexes and other indicators to judge the overall health of our economy, but another way to judge the […]
The financial crash of 2008 has forever changed the way investors approach the market. After seeing bottom-line returns crumble before their eyes, many are now understandably wary of particularly risky asset classes. Portfolio allocation strategies have now become a game of musical chairs, as investors shift their assets to and from various sectors trying to park […]
Since Woodrow Wilson re-instituted the practice of delivering the State of the Union Address in person in 1913, the annual event has evolved dramatically. The introduction of radio and television brought the presidential speech into millions of households, attracting increased interest and, of course, increased scrutiny. Thanks to the proliferation of 24 hour news networks […]
It has been more than two months since an oil rig exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico, setting off one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. The aftermath of the spill has called into question the very survival of British oil giant BP, and dealt a devastating blow to pension funds […]
In the wake of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, the energy sector has fallen on tough times. The ongoing crude leak in the Gulf of Mexico has further tarnished Big Oil’s public reputation, setting the stage for a sharp regulatory backlash. With a moratorium on offshore drilling already in the works, uncertainty hung […]
by Eric Dutram on April 22, 2010 | Updated June 15, 2012
Alternative energy remains a fast growing market segment not only in the world of ETFs, but in terms of total investment as well. Since 2005, investment in clean energy increased by 230% to $162 billion in 2009. Echoing similar trends occurring throughout the global economy, emerging markets have stepped up their push to become leaders […]
So far in 2010 one of the worst-performing sectors has been alternative energy, with some ETFs on pace to post double digit losses in the first quarter. This sharp downturn is due to a variety of factors that have combined to yield one of the worst stretches for the industry in recent memory. First, trouble […]
After surging out of the gates to start the new year, many ETFs have sharply reversed course, now finding themselves in the red for 2010 as January draws to a close. The S&P 500 SPDR (SPY), which was up nearly 3% after the first six trading sessions, is now down almost 2%. The shift in […]
Over the past two years, the primary focus of world leaders has been the series of economic crises that have threatened to erase years of progress and growth. With all available resources dedicated towards avoiding a prolonged downturn, many social and environmental issues have been moved to the back burner. Now, with a seemingly stable […]
On Thursday and Friday, the leaders of 19 of the most powerful nations, as well as the leader of the European Union, will meet in the Steel City to discuss a variety of topics ranging from economic integration to energy policy. Pittsburgh was chosen to highlight the dramatic shift in fortunes following the city’s struggles […]
