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Oil prices fluctuations have made energy investments more attractive than ever…but what’s the best way to cash in on this sector? There are several ways to approach this, follow these steps:

Step1
Oil and gas investors must determine first whether they would be better off simply investing in a mutual fund or UIT that invests in energy rather than through any kind of direct participation. The former route has less risk, but also lower returns. The latter option has greater risk, greater returns and a series of unique tax incentives not found elsewhere.

Step2
If direct participation is desired, then the next choice is whether to pursue a working interest, partnership or royalty arrangement. Of course, royalties can only be paid to landowners-so if this is what you desire, then contact your real estate agent about buying some land that has producing oil wells on it.
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While gold was extremely popular the past few years, I think its safe to say crude oil is unbeatable for popularity, as it’s a resource which almost everyone uses on a daily basis and it effects all of us in the wallet when oil prices rise as fuel, shipping costs and petroleum products start to cost more and more. This is the first time I have REALLY noticed everyone is following the price of oil. When kids start talking about it, then you know its being watched like a hawk from all types of individuals and traders.

When crude oil peaked at $147.90 back in July, people were starting to panic. The increase on fuel alone was really taking a toll on commuters and shipping costs went through the roof, which hurt almost every business in some way. That being said, oil is now back down at support and looking ready for a bounce. Let’s take a look at the charts.

Crude Oil Monthly Chart Explained
The monthly chart is by far the most over looked chart, because it seems so far out of most people’s trading time frame, that they just don’t check to see what things look like from further distance. I will admit that is a boring chart to watch, as it moves as slow as molasses but it still provides excellent support and resistance levels, which we do not see on the weekly or daily chart. Currently the monthly chart of crude oil has pulled back to the 200 day moving average, which is generally a good place where buyers step in. Also to take that same price level and see that it’s also a long-term support level, really starts making things look better for a possible bounce.

Crude Oil Monthly Trading Chart
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The oil market can be very confusing to both the professional and individual investor, with large price fluctuations sometimes occurring on a daily basis. This article explains the forces driving the market and how to have a financial stake in oil price fluctuations without opening a futures account.

Price-Driving Influences

Demand
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency estimate the current world demand for oil at between 86 million to 87 million barrels per day in 2008. When the price of oil rises, this decreases demand in the U.S., but demand from growing emerging market economies is expected to increase as these countries industrialize.(For related reading, see What Is An Emerging Market Economy?)

Some emerging market economies have fuel subsidies for consumers, and an estimated one-quarter of the world’s demand for oil in 2008 comes from nations that have such subsidies. However, subsidies are not always beneficial to a country’s economy, because although they tend to spur demand in the country, they may also cause the country’s oil producers to sell at a loss. As such, removing subsidies can allow a country to increase oil production, thus increasing supply and lowering prices. In addition, cutting subsidies can decrease any shortage of refined products have been alleviated, since higher oil prices give refineries an incentive to produce products, such as diesel and gasoline.
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Oil prices have fallen 70% since hitting a record $147.27 a barrel in July, which means in just five months, crude has given up all the price gains it made in the past four years.

After such a wrenching plunge, many analysts believe the outlook for the “black gold” remains bleak – and in the short term it certainly is. In the long run, however, dwindling supplies, resurgent demand, and a lack of investment will cause crude oil to double, triple, or even quintuple in price over the next few years.

In fact, the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) – energy advisor to 28 industrialized nations – says oil will rise to $100 a barrel by 2015, as a result of a major “supply crunch,” and will ultimately soar to $200 a barrel.

But before it does, prices are likely to sink even further, perhaps falling as low as $20 a barrel in the first quarter of the New Year.

Indeed, much of Wall Street expects oil prices to average about $50 a barrel in 2009. Some of the firms and their specific forecasts include: Read more »

Great risks and potential huge monetary gains. This can sum up in itself what oil investing is about. Not a market for the faint-hearted, oil investing is a highly volatile sector where changes are the norm, and risk runs the gamut from quite low to extremely high.

Still, why do so many choose to invest in this highly unpredictable market? There is much that is said on the scarcity of oil, its dwindling volume, its absence of supply growth, as well as the tightening of supply by oil-producing countries. Balanced against the increasing demand for oil in a world which is driving towards consumerism, where oil needs are vital, it results in a situation where the price of oil is not likely to go down. In fact, it might just remain on the up, or constant at its relatively high price on the market. While it is true that fossil fuels are not something that can be classified as a renewable resource, the investor will often look at the situation and not the ongoing demand for the product. Any product that has a steady demand that will only grow over the next few years is a sure bet when it comes to investing. Read more »