Alternative Energy Funds Deliver Stunning Quarterly Returns, But Beware the Risks

By Harris Roen

The Roen Financial Report closely covers the universe of almost 30 alternative energy Mutual Funds (MFs) and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). We use a proprietary ranking method to pick the best funds, looking at measures that include fees, risk, tax liability, and the financial health of individual holdings within each fund. Subscribers can see the complete list of funds, including rankings and technical breakdowns, in both Excel and PDF format by clicking here .

Mutual Funds

Alternative energy MFs showed improving ranks for this February update. In all, three funds were bumped up to a Rank 1: Allianz RCM Global Water A (AWTAX), Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy (GAAEX) and Alger Green A (SPEGX). This coincides with the fact that the alternative energy MFs we cover have gained an impressive 14% on average in the past 3 months. Contrarily, one alternative energy MF declined to the bottom of the heap, becoming a Rank 5.

Quarterly returns have been spectacular for all of the MFs, ranging from a low of 8.8% all the way to a remarkable 25.2% for GAAEX. Many of the equities held in these funds hit bottom at the end of 2012, so these returns reflect the upward surge since that time. Because of these gains, it should be noted that 8 out of 11 MFs are at the top of the annual trading range. Therefore, I would not be surprised to see a modest pullback from here for many of these funds.

Exchange Traded Funds

All the Rank 1 ETFs retained their current top slots: Market Vectors Environmental Services (EVX), First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy Index Fund (FAN) and First Trust ISE-Revere Natural Gas Index Fund (FCG). In addition, PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio (PBW) increased from a Rank 5 to a Rank 3. It shows improved capital gains exposure, and a reduced turnover ratio.

As with MFs, three-month returns for alternative energy ETFs have been extremely impressive. ETFs have gained 12% on average, with Market Vectors Solar Energy (KWT) up over 38%! The one exception is iPath Global Carbon ETN (GRN), an Exchange Traded Note that tracks Barclays Capital Global Carbon Index. Unfortunately, GRN has lost over half its value in the past three months. This is due to the depressed carbon market, which has been trading at all time lows.

It is important to note that a fund like GRN has the potential to close up shop and liquidate its assets, not an uncommon occurrence in the over-crowded ETF world. GRN has an extremely low amount of assets under management, less than $1 million. It also trades at low volumes. These are two warning signs that its underwriter may decide to pull the plug sooner than later.

As is true with many alternative energy equities these days, they can be highly speculative on both the upside and the downside. Consequently, alternative energy investments may only be appropriate for a small portion of an investors overall portfolio.

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.

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