LONDON -- Oil prices rose through the first part of the week before following stock markets down again after President Obama's reelection was confirmed. When U.S. markets opened on Friday, Brent crude on the December contract was up by 1.2% on the week at $107.01 per barrel, while WTI crude was 0.6% up on the week at $85.06 per barrel. U.S. Natural gas prices have remained range-bound all week, and gas for December delivery was up by 1% at $3.55/mmbtu.
Many investors prefer to invest in commodity ETFs rather than directly in commodity futures, and the United States Oil Fund
The very nature of oil and gas companies means they can succeed or fail regardless of oil prices. This week's risers have all outperformed the price of oil by a big margin.
Coastal Energy
Bowleven
Shares in EOG Resources
Oil and gas shares are always volatile, and this week's winners could be next week's losers. To learn more about how to select oil and gas shares with the potential to deliver multi-bagging profits, I strongly recommend you download the latest special free report from the Motley Fool, "How to Unearth Great Oil and Gas Shares." It's completely free and includes details of how to pick winning oil and gas shares and structure your portfolio to maximize your gains and minimize your risks. Hurry though, this new report will only be available for a limited time -- so download it today.
Are you looking to profit as a long-term investor? "10 Steps to Making a Million in the Market" is the latest Motley Fool guide to help Britain invest. Better. We urge you to read the report today -- while it's still free and available.
Further investment opportunities: