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Big picture perspectives are most useful when they help us to see the forest as a whole, rather than just tree-by-tree. They’re downright dangerous, however, when analysts fall in love with their prognostications. Read More

It’s a six-year bear market and counting for the US dollar versus the world’s other major currencies. And with the exception of some select sectors such as utilities and real estate investment trusts, US stocks have lagged most of the world’s equity markets as well. That’s despite a big recovery by the S&P 500 blue chip index in the past couple of years. Read More

It’s a six-year bear market and counting for the US dollar versus the world’s other major currencies. And with the exception of some select sectors such as utilities and real estate investment trusts, US stocks have lagged most of the world’s equity markets as well. That’s despite a big recovery by the S&P 500 blue chip index in the past couple of years. Read More

The proposed $40 billion-plus takeover of TXU Corp by a private-capital consortium may not be the done deal it once appeared. The vast majority of the 10 utility mergers in progress, however, are headed for success. At least a dozen more will likely be announced by the end of the year. Read More

Utility stocks made all-time highs again last month. The main reason: Underlying business conditions are stronger than they’ve been in decades. And as the Feature Article illuminates, one such condition is robust merger activity, which will continue to reward investors with near-term gains. Read More

Positive regulation and companies' focus on reducing debt and risk are behind the tripling of the Dow Jones Utilities Average since its October 2002 bottom. How companies fare henceforth will depend on how they deal with their next big challenges... Read More

Virginia’s electric utilities are again monopolies. That leaves just 19 deregulated states, and Michigan and Montana are considering breaking ranks as well.   Read More

Ameren wants to negotiate a rate cut and/or return to full regulation in Illinois in order to head off a bankruptcy-threatening rate freeze. Discussions on a compromise are apparently continuing, with the goal to make a deal before the legislature reconvenes this month. Read More

Small municipal water systems across America are flunking clean water tests. Some are selling to private companies. Others are retaining ownership but turning over operations to qualified managers. Read More