The US consumer is on life support. Retail sales cratered in September, and consumer confidence indexes are at rock bottom. Uncle Sam is gearing up for a new New Deal to resuscitate the patient, says Justice Litle. It will focus on alternative energy projects… and could create the next big bubble.
Clean energy ETFs became hugely popular in 2007. But they’ve been taking a beating since this August, when crude oil prices began to fall from their year highs.
Nevertheless, Jim Stanton says alternative energy — and the wind-energy market in particular — has a big future. Wind energy is already the second largest source of new power generation in the US, and it now has the backing of the much-hyped Pickens Plan.
Jim says two clean-energy ETFs that look undervalued right now are PBW and GEX. He also recommends FAN for a more wind-specific ETF.
The crisis on Wall Street has effectively stopped funding for alternative energy projects.
But an even bigger problem has been the coming expiration of energy tax credits for the manufacturing, production and use of alternative energy systems and devices at the end of 2008. This situation has now changed with the $18 billion Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008.
David Fessler at Investment U says three alternative-energy ETFs should see “big moves” in the remainder of 2008 and in 2009 on the back of the bill.
As of today crude oil prices are down 36% from their July peak.
David Fessler says a fall in global demand is temporarily driving crude lower. But population and income growth will restore global demand for energy soon. This means the US will have to compete with emerging giants China and India for supplies.
David says the only long-term solution is to find cheaper alternative energy sources. When Congress realizes this shares in companies such as Clean Energy Fuels Corp (NASDAQ:CLNE) and Vestas Wind Systems (OTC:VWSYF) take off.
OPEC said today it would cut output by more than 500,000 barrels of oil a day by sticking closer to production quotas. OPEC is trying to stop the slide in oil prices. The cartel doesn’t want oil prices too high, either, says Dan Denning. That would force its clients to start looking in earnest for cheaper alternative and (whisper it) more environmentally friendly energy sources.
Martin Denholm says wind power is taking off in the US. And big players such as T. Boone Pickens and Michael Blooomberg are throwing their weight behind the industry.
For investors who want to minimize risk in a relatively new industry, Martin recommends General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Siemens AG (NYSE:SI). These blue chips are making significant investments in wind energy projects.
Meanwhile, small-cap AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV) is well placed in the emerging market of home and office-based wind power generation.
Taipan Publishing’s Sara Nunnally thinks we are seeing the first wave of renewable energy investments in Latin America. The region is one of the fastest growing in today’s global economy, and countries like Chile are turning to wind and solar power to boost local energy capacity. However, ongoing political and instability in the region makes any new venture risky, so Sara recommends sticking to established European firms for solid profit opportunities…
Importing the majority of America’s energy needs is not an option for the next president, says energy and oil expert Byron King. Higher capital costs for nuclear and coal-based energy projects relative to wind, solar and geothermal development will favor these ‘green’ technologies. The possibility of caps on carbon emissions will also weigh heavily on the coal industry.
It’s too early to tell whether Democrats or Republicans will make history in November. But no matter who gets elected, the next president will be good news for alternative energy stocks, says Taipan Daily editor Justice Litle.
If Obama wins, greens will have a powerful upper hand.
If McCain wins, his administration will be on a war footing with Russia from day one. This will push up the price of oil and gas – and favor alternative energy sources. Justice says the “fear premium” under a President McCain would push crude oil back up to $150 a barrel.
The exciting news this week was that the U.S. economy is not actually in crisis. ***Our insatiable thirst for oil and dependence on other countries to supply us with black gold has presented us with outstanding investment opportunities during this energy crisis. ***At times like these, we wonder what the US government would do for a budget like the Chinese. *** The mob lined up to hurl a few more stones at Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE) this week.
