Cut Oil Risk With Quality

Article Excerpt

Oil has shot up 40% since January 2008, from around $85 a barrel to nearly $120. However, many oil stocks have failed to rise along with it. For example, CHEVRON CORP. $94 (New York symbol CVX; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 2.1 billion; Market cap: $197.4 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) has gained just 24% during the same time. In general, oil stocks have lagged because oil prices rise or fall in response to short-term changes in oil supply or demand, which can reverse overnight. Despite the recent gains, a slowing U.S. economy could spur a large drop in oil prices. We recommend conservative investors stick to industry leaders like Chevron. Its wide sources of revenue (production, refining and retail gas stations) helps shield it from volatile oil prices. New investments in natural gas facilities will also increase natural gas to 40% of Chevron’s total net production by 2020, up from 30% now. A better balance between oil and natural gas cuts…