The Good Brigade
Main Thesis & Background
The purpose of this article is to evaluate the broader market with a specific focus on why I see value in the Energy sector at the present time. This is an area I
Consider the Income Lab
The Energy Sell-Off Has Me Interested
Summary
- I see value in the Energy sector due to its recent underperformance, expected demand rise, and potential trade clarity boosting crude oil prices.
- Crude oil demand is set to increase, making the current sell-off an opportunity to buy into undervalued Energy ETFs like VDE and IXC.
- The US's reliance on international trade and a weakening USD could further support crude oil prices, benefiting the Energy sector.
- Traditional Energy majors like Exxon Mobil and Chevron offer safer investments compared to underperforming "clean energy" alternatives, making them my preferred choice.
- This idea was discussed in more depth with members of my private investing community, CEF/ETF Income Laboratory. Learn More »
I am a macro-focused investor with 15 years experience working in Financial Services. My niche is finding under-valued sectors and thematic ideas (metals, gold, crypto) at opportune entry points.
The first half of my career was in New York, working professionally after college (BS - Finance and D1 Men's Tennis). I relocated to North Carolina for graduate school (MBA) and employment. I am fortunate to spend half my time in Charlotte and half in Asheville.
I grew up in a middle-class family where a strong work ethic was mandatory (German/Slovak mother). I went to college with $10,000 to my name and I thought that was all the money in the world. Twenty years later, I'm fortunate enough to co-manage a seven-figure investment account with my wife, who is also an astute investor. I'm literally living proof that diligent saving and investing can be life changing.
I make a habit of keeping my portfolio up-to-date, which my followers can see here. I take pride in writing about funds, stocks, and sectors that I actually follow and invest in, and I believe my followers appreciate that approach.
Broad market: DIA, VOO, QQQM, RSP
Sectors/Non-US: XLE/IXC; VPU/IDU/BUI, FEZ, SCHF, EWC
Alternatives: Bitcoin, IAU (Gold)
Stocks: JPM, MCD, WMT, FLUT, MAA
Debt: BGT, Municipal bonds from North Carolina
I also contribute to the investing group CEF/ETF Income Laboratory where I specialize in macro analysis. Features of CEF/ETF Income Laboratory include: managed income portfolios (targeting safe and reliable ~8% yields) making use of high-yield opportunities in the CEF and ETF fund space. These are geared toward both active and passive investors of all experience levels. The vast majority of holdings are also monthly-payers, for faster compounding and steady income streams. Other features include 24/7 chat, and trade alerts. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of IXC, VDE either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.