There are nearly 30 ETFs oriented to the energy sector. The following analysis features a fair representation of ETFs available. We believe from these investors may choose an appropriate ETF to satisfy the best index-based and “enhanced” linked index offerings individuals and financial advisors may utilize.

The energy sector remains volatile and politically controversial given the recent higher spikes in prices in 2008 and 2011. In early 2012 the situation with Iran kept crude oil and some distillate prices high. Suddenly a confluence of events in early May took place that has shaken global equity markets throughout all sectors including energy.

Bulls have had an easy go for an extended period. Miraculous explosive intraday rallies have bought back overnight or previous day's selling. However, there seems to be a change in the tide. Even the miraculous rallies are being sold off immediately damaging the perception of invincibility of the bulls. Permabulls will always be permabulls and the overnight drop to 1320 support on the S&P will bring new encouragement.

This morning's housing data was a mixed bag, but the permabulls only see green, so they'll be encouraged.

Guggenheim BRIC ETF (EEB) has attempted to combine the four popular single country markets into one handy ETF. It has become popular for those perhaps unable to buy all four individual country funds or find it more difficult to cherry-pick one or two for inclusion to their portfolios.

Brazil, Russia, India and China have been the power houses of new economic growth among developing markets. It would be difficult to consider these countries as “emerging markets” any longer since for example China is now the world’s third largest economy.

The technology sector is where the U.S. still leads the world in product innovation and distribution. Certainly manufacturing of final products and hardware has moved overseas but creativity remains primarily U.S. based.

During the first quarter of 2012 the technology sector was leading markets higher overall. This was especially so given Apple’s (AAPL) rapid growth and overweighting in many tech indexes. This is made especially vivid when comparing an equal weight index to more popular issues as noted below. Apple’s high weighting is a door that can swing both ways. When times are good for the company that enhances returns, but should the stock price falter the opposite would hold true.

There are only a handful of effective ETFs focused exclusively on biotechnology. Nevertheless, the sector contains companies that will probably produce more effective medical treatment and healthcare than all the insurance plans and HMOs combined. This is the next big thing for the human race as in the future immunization and cures for disease will allow people to live longer and healthier lives.

As an anecdote, a very famous and successful heart surgeon told me a few decades ago that his profession would no doubt be obsolete someday due to advances in biotechnology.