But this was an unprecedented attack on the global oil infrastructure. To my knowledge, there has never been another event that sidelined this much oil in a single event. More importantly, this attack has highlighted the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure. That means that a fear premium will likely return to oil prices. It is true that U.S. dependence on Saudi Arabia's oil has declined, but oil is a globally traded commodity. We import and export oil. We are still a net oil importer, but even if we weren't, global oil prices will impact prices in the U.S. Note that the jump in the price of WTI wasn't that far behind the jump in the price of Brent after the attacks. Oil that we import will go to the highest bidder, and there are Saudi customers that will be looking to replace oil imports. That impacts us here. The biggest risk is that higher oil prices will put additional stress on the U.S. economy. While the housing crisis gets top billing as the cause of the 2008 recession, oil prices that had reached $100 a barrel for the first time were also a big factor. Higher oil prices lead to less discretionary income which leads to less spending. How to Respond How should you play this? First, as a consumer I would make sure that you top off your tank early in the week. Gasoline prices will almost certainly be headed higher later in the week. But as an investor, which sectors will benefit? None will benefit more than U.S. oil producers. They are highly leveraged to oil prices, and after being beaten down over the past year, their share prices will likely head higher this week. This event will probably also cause more money to flee to safe havens. But you have to be really selective, because higher oil prices will help drive inflation higher. Make sure you don't play it too safely and lose purchasing power in the process. In any event, regardless of how bad this turns out to be, it highlights a major vulnerability that will probably bring back a fear premium to the price of oil. There aren't that many oil vulnerabilities around the world capable of sidelining millions of barrels a day of crude oil, but the Abqaiq crude processing facility is certainly one of them. Looking for investment opportunities outside of the volatile energy sector? Consider the "green rush." I'm referring to the booming marijuana industry. Increasing numbers of states are legalizing marijuana for medicinal as well as recreational use. The result has been a flood of investors and venture capitalists eager to reap profits from the rise of canna-businesses. The legalization of marijuana is one of the greatest investment opportunities you'll ever see in your lifetime. But here's the snag: the industry is getting crowded and a shake-out is imminent. You need to pick the right marijuana stocks. That's where our special event comes in. If you act quickly, you can secure a spot at our exclusive cannabis trading event on September 24. We'll show you how to make life-changing amounts of money, within a highly lucrative sliver of the marijuana market. Click here to sign up. |
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