With the economy in turmoil and the recent “cash for clunkers” program, the price of fuel has been on a lot of consumers’ minds. These two factors have fueled sales of hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, and many others.

But as Kermit the frog would say, “It’s not easy being green”. A recent study reveals that the electric motors and batteries that power the hybrid vehicles require significant amounts of rare-earth elements such as neodymium, terbium, and dysprosium. Auto manufacturers are increasingly concerned about their sources for these rare-earth metals. Additionally, countries such as China are expected to benefit from the quantities of rare earth metals that they have throughout the country. Time to look for rare earth metal ETFs. Read more here.

Disclosure: As a result of the “cash for clunkers” program I am the proud owner of a Toyota Prius.