STOCKS | Clean Energy Stocks Surge Amid Middle East Tensions

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House last year, investing in clean energy stocks seemed unwise. However, Helen Jewell, BlackRock's Chief Investment Officer for Fundamental Equities International, believes the upward trend in clean energy is likely to continue. According to Jin10, the ongoing Middle East conflict led by the United States serves as a stark reminder of the world's heavy reliance on the region's oil and gas resources. Jewell emphasized the strategic importance of energy independence, grid resilience, and domestic power generation in light of the strikes on Iran. She noted that clean energy stocks could maintain their strength due to the urgent need for rapid and secure grid enhancements. Jewell stated, "We are very clear that for AI to succeed, you need such a massive amount of energy that the narrative is no longer about 'replacing traditional energy' but 'coexisting with traditional energy.'" As a year has passed, the S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index has soared by 61% as of Wednesday's close, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 23% increase. Its performance also surpassed the 'Big Seven' stocks' 39% rise and nearly doubled the gains of oil stocks, despite crude prices exceeding $100 due to the Iran conflict.