The semiconductor industry began to see growth again in the second half of 2009, and analysts predict that things won’t slow down any heading into 2010. That’s good news for ETFs aimed at the sector.

Analysts are calling for the semiconductor industry to have a standout year in 2010. Why?

Oil prices are far below the 2008 peak, but some are looking to the future. While there is always an active debate over energy prices, there is currently special attention being paid to the search for new energy sources. The future may hold improved prospects for alternative energy. For the present, the world depends upon fossil fuels.

Major energy companies have become active in the quest for new sources of oil and natural gas. This is reflected in deal making, and in the stocks of the companies in the energy sectors. In this article I will review some of these factors with a special focus on ETF trading.

During economic recovery, you typically see small-cap investments outperforming large-cap investments. That’s been the case since the bear’s bottom. In fact, the iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) began logging larger gains than its big brother, the S&P 500 SPDR Trust (SPY), in March of 2009. (Click to enlarge)