For years, China ramped up green energy production capacity, becoming the global leader in renewable energy manufacturing, from solar to wind to battery. But former President Donald Trump has pledged to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese exports and roll back subsidies and tax breaks for alternative energy companies in a second term — which many analysts assume would hurt a sector that depends on cheap supply chains from China.
Recent declines in renewable energy stocks caused by some investors pricing in the possibility of a "Republican sweep create a buying opportunity," the Baird analysts wrote. "Nonetheless, headline risk will make our sector volatile until the election." Sector views Sustainable energy stocks came under particular pressure following the presidential debate between Biden and Trump in late June, as opinion polls pointed to a higher likelihood of a Trump victory.