This fund seeks growth and income through investments in stocks and bonds in markets worldwide. The fund seeks a solid foundation of securities in stable-demand industries, such as electric power and natural gas, and may also invest in companies that generate alternative power, such as wind, solar, and hydropower.
Portfolio Manager
Fund weightings vs. MSCI World Utilities Index (ND) (%) as of 12/31/11
| Putnam | MSCI | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight | Ameren | 5.61 | 0.89 |
| PPL | 4.85 | 1.89 | |
| PG&E | 4.78 | 1.84 | |
| Underweight | Enel SPA | 0.00 | 3.06 |
| Duke Energy | 0.00 | 3.25 | |
| Southern | 0.00 | 4.41 | |
Weightings reflect actual holdings, which will vary over time.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
| 1990 | 1992 | 1997 | 2000 | 2002 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most electric and gas utilities operate under traditional regulations that limit revenues | Energy Policy Act opens the market for electricity transmission to wholesale suppliers | Electric and gas industries begin to prosper, but also overinvest in power generation | California energy crisis begins. Collapse of Enron the following year brings further deregulation to a halt | Overcapacity, low power prices, and growing debt lead to a financial crisis for many utilities companies | U.S. market for electricity generated by wind power nearly doubles, according to the American Wind Energy Association |