2009 Alternative Energy Industry Outlook

Low oil prices and recession hurt demand, but hope from Washington boosts future expectations

By Jim Woods and Andy Golub

Low oil prices and a severe recession have taken their toll on alternative energy demand, but a green-oriented Obama administration has brightened the hopes for renewed growth in the sector, particularly for solar and wind power.

Industry respondents reported the solar sector has experienced the most rapid economic growth during the past 12 months, which was similar to the findings of the August 2008 survey. Wind power came in second, but that number is six points lower than the previous survey.

Keep reading to learn more key findings from ChangeWave's latest alternative energy industry survey.

A Better Stimulus Plan: Make 135% in 8 Days

Here's a stimulus plan you might actually like: On Thursday, Jan. 22, I urged my Winning Edge subscribers to buy Amazon Feb 50 Calls up to $4.60. They made 135% in the next week. Want to know how we did it? Find out now.

A Retail Surprise? Not at ChangeWave

The January U.S. retail numbers surprised many on Wall Street when they were released last week.

As reported by MarketWatch, "Retail sales rose 1% on a seasonally adjusted basis last month, marking the first increase since June.

"The gain was unexpected, with economists surveyed by MarketWatch looking for a decline of 0.4%."

While the January numbers may have caught Wall Street by surprise, it was old news to ChangeWave Research. A month ago we reported "the first tiny spending uptick in eight months."

At the time we wrote, "The combination of a new year, a new presidential administration and lower inflation are likely contributors to the stabilization seen in the latest ChangeWave survey."

However, we also cautioned, "Don't break out the champagne just yet. The overall spending environment remains fiercely negative, and this momentary improvement may prove to be short-lived."

As last month's report concluded, "The big question going forward is whether these trends will continue in the aftermath of Obama's inauguration, or if this is simply a short-term blip. We'll know more next month when our February survey results are in."

Well, it's February, and our latest consumer survey results are in -- and they aren't pretty.

Stay tuned for the complete results in next week's Hot Sheet.

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