Emerging Economies Drive Coal Markets
Vilified as a dirty energy source in advanced industrialized economies, coal is booming around the world. Emerging economies are the critical driving force behind the continued growth, but barriers do exist.
Vilified as a dirty energy source in advanced industrialized economies, coal is booming around the world. Emerging economies are the critical driving force behind the continued growth, but barriers do exist.
Coal stocks have been hit hard in this recession, given slumping electricity demand in the U.S. and the sharp drop-off of steel demand. For shareholders of Patriot Coal Corp (PCX: NYSE), the pain has been particularly acute. The stock lost 96 per cent of its value since last June's record highs. This year alone, Patriot's stock is down 41 per cent versus a 1 per cent decline by the Dow Jones U.S. Coal Index.
The International Energy Agency has released its World Energy Outlook report. In reaction to steadily rising demand, the agency is confident that coal will continue its role as the main source of power for much of the world at least until 2030 and will outshine all other energy sources.
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