The Case For Utilities Amid An Energy Crunch

<p>As growth stocks continue to flounder, investors are looking elsewhere to diversify their portfolios. Following a period of weakness in utilities exacerbated by historically low interest yields, Josh Wein says that may be just the place. Wein acknowledges how the utility trade might be uncomfortable and unpopular for some investors, but here explains the benefits amid the current energy crunch sending prices of crude oil (/CL) and natural gas futures (/NG) higher. Among Wein's stock picks are Southern Company (SO) and Sempra Energy (SRE), which he says is in a favorable position to take advantage of higher energy prices overseas.</p>