Capitol Hill is moving faster than ever. We will get a Cap-and-Trade vote on Friday. The market has already cast its vote, making now a great time to make some smart investments.

If you have been paying attention, you know today’s surge from the coal industry is no big surprise. As much as he may want to, even Obama can’t slow the dirty fuel’s international growth.

Coal may be a dirty word in the clean energy movement. But David Fessler says the realities of global energy markets means it is going to be a key source of power in the coming decades. He says investors should include coal in their energy portfolio, and recommends three of the best ways to do it.

President-elect Barack Obama has made no bones about wanting to jump-start the renewable energy markets – pledging $150 billion for the development of biofuels, solar and wind power, other alternative energy sources during his first term.

The latest news coming from local electricity companies is a lot like a kick in the teeth for most people… after they’ve been knocked to the ground.

Merck Doubles Profit; Arch Coal Heats Up First Quarter; Northwest Bankcorp Bolstered by Visa IPO; Profit Dives for Bank of America; National City Posts Loss, Slashes Dividend; Mattel Profit Drops; Strong Hasbro Results; Lowered Expectations for MF Global.