Oil as an investment

Yesterday I bought oil as an investment. Or at the very least it will act as a hedge against increases in energy costs. I plan build a position in oil in small increments over time as the opportunity presents itself.

I think this is a 12-18 month trade. There are a couple of different reasons for this.

First, the price of oil is depressed in the short term b/c of the global economic slowdown. Remember, the price of energy reacts quickly to changes in the supply/demand relationships b/c of storage costs. Recently, supplies have been building up so the price has been declining. I dont think this can last given OPEC is trying to cut back production, economic recovery expectations, and potential for Middle East conflict.

Second, the price of oil is also related to the value of the dollar. The dollar has strenghtened recently b/c its perceived to be somewhat of a safe haven amongst its global currency counterparts. When this trend reverses, oil prices should head higher.

At current prices of $40/bbl, I dont need oil to head much higher than the high $40s before I start to get decent returns. A price of $50 w/in 12 months would be a 25% annual return.

Not bad.

On the flip side, there is potential for prices to head lower from here. If that happens, I would look for another bottom similar to the one we are in now and buy a little more again.

Gas is $1.78/gal in my neighborhood. What's the price where you live?

Dont get me wrong, I like low gas prices just like the next guy.

But we shouldnt let the current low price of oil fool us into not doing anything to increase our fuel efficiency over the long-term. Otherwise, we havent learned anything.

And if as a society we lack the conviction to do this on our own as individuals, then I would go so far as to say the government should heavily tax gasoline and use the proceeds immediately to develop alternative fuel technologies.

If we dont do this, OPEC will do it for us by cutting back supply and driving the price of oil higher. The Saudis have openly stated they would like to see the long term price of oil much higher than it is today.

Would you rather spend more money on gasoline and keep the money here in the US or would you rather send the money over the middle east?

It's our choice.