Funds: How to convert green into gold

Investors have seen clean energy stocks plummet over the past few years. But that hasn't stopped money pouring into the sector, and some funds have prospered.

Climate change was on the agenda in Copenhagen this week as the city played host to the latest UN summit discussing ways to tackle it. But investors who have seen clean energy stocks drop 38% on average over the past four years must wonder, politics aside, whether there is really any money in green investing.

"Investors hoping to make a quick buck from clean energy will likely end up disappointed," says Justin Modray of candidmoney.com. "Clean energy investment performance is heavily influenced by the oil price in the shorter term. If the oil price is high, then clean energy is attractive, and vice versa if it's low." The current price is around $75 a barrel a far cry from last year's peak of $147.

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Jody Clarke

Jody studied at the University of Limerick and was a senior writer for MoneyWeek. Jody is experienced in interviewing, for example digging into the lives of an ex-M15 agent and quirky business owners who have made millions. Jody’s other areas of expertise include advice on funds, stocks and house prices.