Wall Street has been paying close attention to Brent and crude oil prices after the duo came under pressure in the last quarter of 2021, mainly due to the uncertainty caused by surging Omicron cases.
Yet, oil has started the new year on a solid note, providing tailwinds to many energy shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on the sector.
Since the start of 2022, the Dow Jones US Oil & Gas Index is up about 12.3%. And in the past 12 months, the index returned over 45%.
Still, most analysts expect short-term volatility to continue in the sector.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Brent crude spot prices should average $79 this quarter. But the EIA further points out:
“Global economic developments and numerous uncertainties surrounding the pandemic in the coming months could push oil prices higher or lower than our current price forecast.”
The natural gas forecast from the EIA could also be of interest to our readers. It highlights:
“Consumption of natural gas in the United States averaged 83.0 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2021, almost unchanged from 2020. We expect US natural gas consumption will remain at nearly the same level in both 2022 and 2023.”
We recently reviewed the energy sector as well as the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLE). Today’s article introduces two other ETFs that could appeal to a range of investors who would like to keep the sector on their radar.
1. Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF
- Current Price: $20.45
- 52-Week Range: $15.29 - $21.71
- Dividend Yield: 7.19%
- Expense Ratio: 0.35% per year
The Alerian Energy Infrastructure ETF (NYSE:ENFR) invests in North American midstream energy infrastructure companies. These names include companies and master limited partnerships (MLPs) that transport, store or process energy commodities. The fund started trading in October 2013.
ENFR, which has 33 holdings, tracks the returns of the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index. The fund’s top 10 names account for over 61% of net assets of $73.3 million.
Regarding the sub-sectoral breakdown, the gathering and processing segment makes up the highest portion, with 33.62%. Then, we see Pipeline Transportation/Natural Gas (30.67%) and Pipeline Transportation/Petroleum (26.21%).
Among the leading names on the roster are Enbridge (NYSE:ENB), Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD), TC Energy (NYSE:TRP), Energy Transfer (NYSE:ET), The Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB), and Plains GP (NASDAQ:PAGP).
Since the start of 2022, ENFR has returned 8.3%. And in the past 12 months, the ETF is up 25.1%. Moreover, the fund hit a multi-year high of $21.71 in October.
Long-term shareholders are also entitled to dividends; the current price supports a 7.19% yield.
Readers interested in midstream energy names with typically robust and growing yields could consider buying the fund at the next pullback. A potential decline toward the $19 level would improve the margin of safety.
2. First Trust Natural Gas ETF
- Current Price: $19.35
- 52-Week Range: $9.68 - $19.87
- Dividend Yield: 1.50%
- Expense Ratio: 0.60% per year
Our second fund, the First Trust Natural Gas ETF (NYSE:FCG), gives exposure to explorers and producers of natural gas. The fund was launched in May 2008.
FCG, which has 43 holdings, tracks the returns of the ISE-Revere Natural GasTM Index. The leading ten stocks comprise close to 42% of net assets of $508.8 million.
Western Midstream Partners (NYSE:WES), ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), DCP Midstream (NYSE:DCP), Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY), EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG), Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:PXD), and Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) top the companies in the fund.
FCG returned over 15% and hit a multi-year high on Jan. 13. In the past 52 weeks, the ETF is up an eye-popping approximate 19.3%. P/B and P/S ratios stand at 1.95x and 1.67x.
Meanwhile, a busy earnings season is here. Therefore, short-term profit-taking could put pressure on a number of the holdings. We’d look to invest around the $18.7 level, or even below.