Alternative Energy Funds Post Solid Gains

By Harris Roen Mutual Funds Performance for MF’s have been outstanding, following a surge in solar stocks , energy efficiency companies , and other alternative energy sectors. Over the past 12-months the average alternative energy MF returned 30.3%, and not a single fund was down for the year. Three-month and one-month returns were similarly spectacular, gaining 10.5% and 7.3% respectively on average, also with no losers. I expect this trend to continue, as many of these alternative energy sectors are bouncing back from the overly pessimistic levels of 2012. Exchange Traded Funds Returns for ETFs have been more variable, ranging from a gain of 68.3% in one year for First Trust NASDAQ® Clean Edge® Green Energy Index Fund ( QCLN ), to a loss of 52% for iPath Global Carbon ETN ( GRN ). This loss for GRN is not surprising, since it is pegged to Barclays Capital Global Carbon Index. This index is trading at 10% of what it was five years ago. On average, alternative energy ETFs have had respectable gains for the past one-month, three-months and 12-months. As with MFs, these gains reflect the solid returns and improving prospects seen in several of the alternative energy sectors. Disclosure Individuals involved with the Roen Financial Report and Swiftwood Press LLC do not own or control shares of any companies mentioned in this article. It is possible that individuals may own or control shares of one or more of the underlying securities contained in the Mutual Funds or Exchange Traded Funds mentioned in this article. Any advice and/or recommendations made in this article are of a general nature and are not to be considered specific investment advice. Individuals should seek advice from their investment professional before making any important financial decisions. See Terms of Use for more information. About the author Harris Roen is Editor of the “ ROEN FINANCIAL REPORT ” by Swiftwood Press LLC, 82 Church Street, Suite 303, Burlington, VT 05401. © Copyright 2010 Swiftwood Press LLC. All rights reserved; reprinting by permission only. For reprints please contact us at cservice@swiftwood.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Roen Financial Report, 82 Church Street, Suite 303, Burlington, VT 05401. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Burlington VT and additional Mailing offices. Remember to always consult with your investment professional before making important financial decisions.