High-quality reserves cut your risk

Article Excerpt

Oil prices fell from their July 2008 peak of $148 U.S. a barrel to just under $40 U.S. in February 2009. Prices have roughly doubled since then, but they are unlikely to pass their 2008 highs any time soon. We think oil prices could rise further if the global economy continues to recover, as we expect. As well, oil and natural-gas stocks can provide your portfolio with a good hedge against inflation. Even so, we continue to advise against overindulging in oil and gas stocks. That’s because the Resource sector (including oil and natural gas) is highly volatile, and no one can accurately predict future commodity prices. However, you can profit nicely over long periods by investing a reasonable portion of your portfolio in well-established or well-managed oil and gas stocks, especially those with high-quality reserves and rising production. The four oil and gas companies that we analyze in this issue are good examples. All four are well-positioned to profit during periods of high…