ETFs For A Rainy Season

Everybody knows that when it rains, it pours, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are no exception.

The uncertainty is pouring in all around us, with a looming presidential election, a Dow Jones industrial average that swings wildly from one day to the next and spiking commodity prices. Rudy Martin for The Street gives us some ETF suggestions for times like these.

• Market Vectors Coal (KOL): Holds 39 coal stocks from around the world. The latest surge in coal prices signals the start of an upward trend.
• ProShares UltraShort Financials (SKF): This is the primary leveraged tool for shorting the U.S. financial sector. Credit losses and capital shortage is plaguing the United States, but they don;t have to haunt you.
• S&P Metals and Mining (XME): Basic materials were the best-performing holdings last quarter, and rising coal and steel prices are confirming this will continue.
• United States Oil (USO): Does this really need an explanation?
• Market Vectors Russia (RSX): The new president is growing Moscow into a financial center, taking the ruble to the leading regional reserve currency status. Iron, steel and oil are top holdings in this fund.
• ProShares UltraShort FTSE /Xinhua China 25 Index (FXP): Plan on shorting China short-term only, as this country could be taking a breather before turning around again.
• Market Vectors Nuclear Fund (NLR): The global environment for nuclear energy is fertile, driven by the run-up in commodities prices. china’s latest plan for 30 new nuclear reactors over the next 30 years is also a good indication.

Our two cents: wherever you choose to take your shelter these days, just make sure you’re in areas that are moving and are currently sitting above their trend lines. Some of the funds mentioned above are volatile, so have your exit strategy in place, as well.

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