The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights:WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio, Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF, Tesla Motors, Eaton and Cree

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Oct 29, 2013, 09:30 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio (AMEX:PBW-Free Report), Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (AMEX:GEX-Free Report), Tesla Motors Inc. (Nasdaq:TSLA-Free Report), Eaton Corp. (NYSE:ETN-Free Report) and Cree Inc. (Nasdaq:CREE-Free Report).

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Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:

Comprehensive Guide to Alt-Energy ETFs

Amid widespread environmental concerns, alternative energy is making a strong headway in the power generation fuel mix in many developed and developing nations. While market conditions were not in favor of alternative sources for the last two years, 2013 can be considered as a year of stimulation for investors in the clean energy space.

A major growth area in the renewable space is solar energy. The solar industry appeared to be doomed in 2012. However, But this year has seen a remarkable pullback supported by a number of driving forces. (Read: Inside the Incredible Surge in Solar ETFs)

Again, President Obama's fresh environmental plan has proved to be beneficial for renewable energy stocks. (Read: 3 ETFs to Buy for Obama's Climate Change Plan). With the increasing need to develop renewable energy in response to stringent environmental regulations, countries worldwide are relying on solar energy for generating electricity.

Globally, China leads the world in total electricity generation from renewable sources, helped by its increased allegiance in recent times to the alternative path. The dragon is followed closely by the U.S., Brazil and Canada.

Recently the Chinese government's announcement of offering 50% refunds to the value added tax (VAT) for sales taking place from Oct 2013 through Dec 2015 will boost the domestic solar industry. The subsidy offered by the Chinese government, which has already set a solar installation target of 35 GW by 2015, lifted Chinese solar stocks across the board.

Among the other alternative energies, the U.S. wind industry is now gradually picking up despite the fact that the second quarter of 2013 witnessed no new installations. As of Jun 30, over 1,280 MW of projects were under construction spreading across eight states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, New York and Texas. (Read: Behind the Surge in the Wind Power ETF)

ETFs to Tap the Sector

For investors seeking to play this trend in ETF form, the following series of alternative energy ETFs could make for interesting picks:

WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio (AMEX:PBW-Free Report)

Launched in March 2005, PBW tracks the Wilderhill Clean Energy Index and manages an asset base of $213.5 million which it invests in a portfolio of 51 stocks.

It is well diversified across various sectors. Information Technology takes the top spot with a 46.46% allocation followed by Industrials (20.39%) and Materials (10.78%).

The fund's top 10 holdings jointly contribute 28.08% towards the fund. The product invests almost 90% in companies related to cleaner energy and it charges a hefty 70 basis points in fees.

PBW has rewarded investors with solid returns of 61.41% over the past one year.

Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (AMEX:GEX-Free Report)

Launched in May 2007, GEX tracks the Ardour Global Index, focusing on companies that are primarily engaged in the business of alternative energy comprising solar power, bio energy, wind power, hydro power and geothermal energy.

The fund holds about 31 stocks in its pocket and has assets under management of $92.9 million and charges an expense ratio of 62 basis points annually. The fund is liquid with 14,580 shares changing hands in a day on an average.

Apart from robust holdings in the U.S., the product offers solid exposure to Europe and some Asian countries. Again, Industrials, Information Technology and Utilities take the top three spots, adding 83.8% in sector holdings. Further, the fund's top 10 holdings jointly contribute 63.58% to the fund. Tesla Motors Inc. (Nasdaq:TSLA-Free Report), Eaton Corp. (NYSE:ETN-Free Report) and Cree Inc. (Nasdaq:CREE-Free Report) are the top three holdings, with 30.84% of asset allocation in total.

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