Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of oil-field-services specialist RPC (NYSE: RES) spouted gains as large as 11.1% today on modest trading volume.

So what: Oil prices are soaring today while the dollar is getting weaker versus other major world currencies, and that's a terrific combo for American oil businesses. Moreover, extraction giant ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) just got the go-ahead to start a major drilling operation in Alaska and RPC specializes in all-American projects.

Now what: Hometown rivals Basic Energy Services (NYSE: BAS) and Pioneer Drilling (NYSE: PDC) are enjoying similar gains today for much the same reasons. If you're trying to choose an oil-field investment in that bunch, consider that RPC pays a healthy dividend while the other two do not. Check out a handful of other dividend ideas, courtesy of Fool analysts.

Interested in more info about RPC? Click here to add it to My Watchlist.