The inflation-inspired trade, which has been persistent as ETF investors analyze the government’s growing influence in the credit markets, has sent ETF prices higher. Despite the increase in stock prices, investors are still concerned that commodities, particularly steel, may not rise until demand for the metal increases.

Global steel production has softened from its 2008 numbers, falling 24% in one year; however, demand for the metal has weakened as high-rise real estate construction strikes continued lows. China, which had long been the largest consumer of the metal, has since cut back on new construction amid a growing worldwide recession. NASDAQ reports that steel production in China has slipped 3.9%, while other developed nation’s production has ground to a standstill. German steel production is down 53.1% while US production has dropped even more by 53.4%.

The US Steel Fund (SLX: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News), which has produced a strong year-to-date return of 31.2%, has bounced more than 66% from its March 9 lows. The chart below illustrates the performance of SLX over the past six months.

The global financial crisis sent bond yields tumbling, but as investors pull out of the most stable of government debt, some bonds look like prime buys in an irrational market. While analysts expect the US dollar to plummet in value over the next few years, investors can earn both through high-yield debt and exposure to other currencies.

Troubles in the United States are not so prominent overseas, even in developed nations. European bonds are still earning high yields, and the central bank is concerned about deflation, not inflation, which could ultimately drive bond prices higher, creating a quick capital gain while still yielding considerable returns.

BusinessWeek reports that German and French debt may be the most lucrative, despite their financial crises. Low debt to GDP ratios ensure stability in prices and allow the German and French government to sell debt without the default fears quickly growing in the United States.

The SPDR Barclays Capital Intl Treasury Bond (BWX: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News) may be a perfect fit for investors looking for global exposure. The ETF has fallen 5% year to date while yielding 2.41% to investors.

Alternative energy has become a vital issue in addressing climate change and a global recession. Even prior to environmentally-conscious U.S. President Barack Obama taking oath, the United States was well on its way to expanding clean energy through the use of wind power. Reuters reports that the U.S. wind power grew in capacity by 50% in 2008 to 25 gigwatts (GW). This level of growth now ranks the U.S. as the top wind producer ahead of Germany, Spain, and China.

The new U.S. President strongly favors the continued development of alternative energy. Reuters reports that not only is U.S. wind power tops in the world, but solar energy is expected to reach the top spot this year as well. With this focus and government support, ETFs such as First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News) and Claymore/MAC Global Solar Energy ETF (TAN: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News) should be found on every investor’s watchlist.

Credit Agricole Structured Asset Management (CASAM) has been given the reins to develop an exchange-traded fund based on the successful Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50 Index. A GlobeNewswire press release reports that the previously mentioned index launched early in 1998 and has since grown by more than 188%. EURO STOXX 50 Index is made up of 50 supersector leaders among twelve European countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy. Valerie Baudson, Managing Director of ETF Development at CASAM, is quoted in the release, saying, “With the launch of our ETF on the Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50, we offer our clients simple, liquid and transparent access to equities in the euro zone.” The index offers investors an intelligent benchmark to European stocks, according to Werner Burki, chairman of STOXX supervisory board. The upcoming ETF is due to trade on the NYSE Euronext Paris platform.

With the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) completing its merge with the NYSE Euronext, Northern Trust Global Investments (NTGI) will be transferring six of its NETS brand ETFs to the new united exchange. PRNewswire identifies the six ETFs that had been trading on the AMEX and will be making the move. These ETFs are: NETS FTSE 100 Index Fund (UK) ETF (LDN: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News), NETS DAX Index Fund (Germany) ETF (DAX: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News), NETS S&P/ASX 200 Index Fund (Australia) ETF (AUS: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News), NETS S&P/MIB Index Fund (Italy) ETF (ITL: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News), NETS FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index Fund (South Africa) ETF (JNB: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News), NETS FTSE Singapore Straits Times Index Fund ETF (SGT: Quote, Profile, Advanced Chart, News).