Richmond Index faltered in 2005.

Byline: Bob Rayner

Jan. 1--The Richmond Index's winning streak came to an abrupt halt in 2005.

While much of the stock market churned out modest gains last year, the local barometer dropped 4 percent, its worst performance since 2000.

The problem: not much energy.

Much of the stock market was lethargic in 2005, but energy stocks soared, led by the oil companies. The New York Stock Exchange Energy Index advanced 27 percent and the AMEX Oil Index spurted 37 percent.

The Richmond Index tracks stocks of 21 companies with headquarters in the Richmond area and revenue of $50 million or more.

Just one is a pure energy play, …