The Best ETFs Energy for Q3 2021

 PBW, TAN, and QCLN are the best energy ETFs Energy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) invest primarily in stocks of natural gas, oil, and alterna...

 PBW, TAN, and QCLN are the best energy ETFs

Energy exchange-traded funds (ETFs) invest primarily in stocks of natural gas, oil, and alternative energy companies. The securities within an energy ETF's portfolio include major companies such as Enbridge Inc. (ENB), as well as smaller, fast-growing companies in the sector such as SunPower Corp. (SPWR). Because energy ETFs cover a wide variety of businesses, regions, and risks profiles, they offer something for nearly every investor. The ETF approach provides diversification across the industry, allowing investors to gain exposure without taking on the level of risk inherent in investing in a specific energy company. Many energy companies tied to electric vehicles, solar energy, and wind energy may see rising sales and earnings if the Biden administration succeeds in implementing its climate and energy initiatives.

There are 42 energy ETFs that trade in the U.S., excluding inverse and leveraged ETFs, as well as funds with less than $50 million in assets under management (AUM). The energy sector, as measured by the S&P 500 Energy Sector Index, has outperformed the broader market with a total return of 52.3% over the past 12 months compared to the S&P 500's total return of 50.0%, as of May 6, 2021.1 The best performing energy ETF, based on performance over the past year, is the Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW). We examine the top 3 energy ETFs below. All numbers below are as of May 10, 2021, except where otherwise noted.

Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW)

Performance over 1-Year: 131.5%

Expense Ratio: 0.70%

Annual Dividend Yield: 0.59%

3-Month Average Daily Volume: 815,435

Assets Under Management: $1.9 billion

Inception Date: March 3, 2005

Issuer: Invesco

PBW tracks the WilderHill Clean Energy Index, which targets companies focused on green and renewable sources of energy and clean-energy technology. The ETF normally invests a minimum of 90% of its total assets in common stocks that make up the index. The majority of its 68 holdings operate within the industrials, consumer discretionary, and information technology sectors.3 The multi-cap fund follows a blended strategy, investing in both growth and value stocks. The fund's top three holdings include Albemarle Corp. (ALB), a chemical manufacturing company; Quanta Services Inc. (PWR), an infrastructure service provider; and sponsored ADRs of Daqo New Energy Corp. (DQ), a China-based manufacturer of polysilicon, primarily for use in solar photovoltaic systems.

Invesco Solar ETF (TAN)

Performance over 1-Year: 124.0%

Expense Ratio: 0.69%

Annual Dividend Yield: 0.12%

3-Month Average Daily Volume: 2,197,089

Assets Under Management: $2.9 billion

Inception Date: April 15, 2008

Issuer: Invesco

TAN tracks the MAC Global Solar Energy Index, which is comprised of companies focused on the solar energy industry. The ETF normally invests at least 90% of its total assets in securities tracked by the index. It is comprised of 55 holdings as of May 11, 2021 and is heavily weighted to the information technology sector. While globally diversified, the fund is dominated by companies domiciled in the U.S. and China.5 TAN follows a blended strategy, investing in both value and growth stocks with various market capitalizations. Its top three holdings include Enphase Energy Inc. (ENPH), a developer and manufacturer of microinverter systems for the solar photovoltaic industry; SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (SEDG), an Israel-based provider of solar power optimization and photovoltaic monitoring solutions; and First Solar Inc. (FSLR), a manufacturer of solar panels and provider of related services.

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index Fund (QCLN)

Performance over 1-Year: 123.0%

Expense Ratio: 0.60%

Annual Dividend Yield: 0.26%

3-Month Average Daily Volume: 742,242

Assets Under Management: $2.4 billion

Inception Date: February 14, 2007

Issuer: First Trust

QCLN tracks the NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy Index, which is a modified market cap-weighted index designed to gauge the performance of U.S. clean energy companies. The ETF is comprised of 53 holdings, the majority of which operate within the renewable energy equipment, automobile, or alternative electricity industries.7 The multi-cap fund follows a blended strategy of investing in both growth and value stocks across the U.S. clean energy sector. Its top three holdings include Tesla Inc. (TSLA), a manufacturer of electric vehicles and energy storage systems; sponsored ADR class A shares of NIO Inc. (NIO), a Chinese electric car manufacturer; and Albemarle Corp.