U.S. Overtakes Germany In Wind Power

Alternative energy investors who watched their exchange-traded funds get hammered last year have reason to expect better times. A new report by Reuters says that the U.S. overtook Germany as the world's biggest supplier of wind power in 2008, and should become the global leader in solar sometime this year. 

The report was based on new industry data just made public. You can read the story here.

Update On Gold ETFs

With the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) trading at record levels in terms of bullion holdings, TheStreet's  Kevin Baker looks at prospects going forward for that ETF and others.

You can read the story here.

Stick With Index Funds In 401(k) Plans

This interesting analysis by investment researcher Morningstar looks at changes in 401(k) retirement plans at work and how they're changing. 

The piece reviews different options and suggests investors stick with index funds. And if they're attracted to actively managed mutual funds, analyst Christopher Davis advises plan participants to make sure and compare those funds' long-term returns with their respective benchmarks before buying. 

You can read the story here.