Enel Americas SA ADR

These firms all have wide and narrow economic moats but earn poor stewardship ratings.

Only the Fed could break up utilities' M&A party.

Utilities' 4% dividend yields still look attractive even with the chance for rising interest rates.

We don't see an end to this atypical volatility until interest rates rise back toward historical norms.

Utilities' 23% total return through mid-December topped all sectors except for M&A-fueled health care.

Stock price volatility offers opportunities for investors committed to holding utilities for the long run.

Some of the most defensive companies in the utilities sector have performed the best this year and could face a sharp drop if interest rates start to creep up.

Pegging the direction of utilities stocks in 2013 is not for the faint of heart.

With interest rates leveling off and power markets stalled, utilities face a tough near-term outlook.

We think Latin America holds better investment opportunities than its northern neighbor.

Low gas prices and a warm winter are burning power generators.

Utilities look increasingly attractive going into critical summer months.

Merchant generation is back in vogue.

After a trip south of the equator, we share our Latin American picks and pans.