Vacation GetawaysSomething for Everyone of All Ages

A small guide to Investing in the Oil Market with Online Spread Betting

In the past century many have made their fortune and generated great wealth as the late great billionaire J. Paul Getty did in the form of oil.

The ever increasing demands on oil supply to power today’s energy needing consumer, continues to grow globally for oil as the energy source of choice for cars, heating, machinery etc. Countries experiencing significant growth cycles such as Russia, Brazil, India and China continue with their increased consumption to fuel their growth ambitions, placing even more demand on the finite oil resources the world has.

While there are still significant oil resources that lay untapped in areas such as Canada/Alaska as extraction of the oil in these areas is only economically viable at the much higher oil prices seen in the past few years.

The impact in 2008 for the retail consumer was very well covered by the world media and felt hard by us all globally as the price of oil soared from $85.42 in January 22nd 2008 to $147.27 in July 11th 2008, at that time many industry experts had predicated oil would continue the established trend and trade at $200 a barrel. The credit crunch and resulting cycle of wealth destruction globally during the second half of 2008 impacted demand for black gold with the price per barrel falling to the very low $32.40 on 19th December 2008. 2008 showed one thing and that was that oil had been through one big roller coaster of a ride.  But it’s an opportunity for those in the know – the speculative investor – to make significant gains from trading, or of course to have made significant losses.

Whilst media interest has waned in recent months to focus market attention on the demise of the banking sector, Oil has been making a spectacular recovery from the $32 December lows to hit $70 in recent weeks, the industry experts are now calling for $85 dollars a barrel whilst others suggest a short term correction may be in order. Whatever the future throws at it, the oil trader and speculator has the opportunity to profit from such moves if their opinion on the direction proves to be correct.

For the retail investor gaining exposure to either NYMEX Crude or BRENT Crude at first may not seem that straight forward, whilst the opportunity to trade Oil Company stocks or purchase Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (which can provide exposure to oil prices) has traditionally been the only obvious route through your online stockbroker, Financial Spread Betting and Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading makes accessing these commodity markets relatively straightforward. Investors can then take either long or short positions via the spread bet or CFD and trade the fluctuations in price in this and many other different markets. Spread Betting firms and CFD providers also provide a wide range of market information, charting resources and trading technology which gives the retail investor access to a wide range of information. Some even provide real time market information for the relevant trading data like the weekly Crude Oil Inventories Update.

Only once a week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) gives a small insight into what the future demand for oil is likely to be by releasing its Crude Oil Inventory numbers. Traders will take a look at this information because the amount of oil that commerical firms have within their inventory in turn impacts the price of oil in predictable way when taken into account with other factors in determining the future oil prices.

The Crude Oil Inventories number reports the number of barrels of crude oil commercial firms have in inventory. Commercial firms report their inventory levels to the EIA on a weekly basis, but the EIA must still make some estimates to arrive at the final number.

Another big organisation that has a impact on the price of oil is known as OPEC – the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries.  OPEC is a cartel of twelve countries made up of Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. The cartel is headquartered in Vienna and hosts regular meetings among the oil ministers of its Member Countries.

According to its statutes, one of the major goals is the determination of the best means for safeguarding the cartel’s interests both individually and collectively. On top of this it also pursues different ways of ensuring the stabilisation of the prices in international oil markets, with the view of exterminating harmful and unnecesary fluctuations; at the same time giving regard at all times to the interests of the nations producing and to the necessity of securing a steady income to the producing countries; an efficient and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations, and of course a fair return on their capital to those investing within the peroleum industry itself.
The OPEC will release a Monthly Oil Market Report with other small bulletins which also impact market pricing which oil traders from across the globe wait for.

Whilst trading oil may seem the preserve of an elite group of traders in London, Chicago or elsewhere in the globe, the price of petrol or gasoline directly impacts everyone in the developed world. It impacts the cost of transporting goods and services to every area of the globe and as we saw in 2008, this can have a negative impact both on the price we pay for personal transportation at the pump, but also the cost of basic food and services we rely on in our day to day lives. Although we saw very little pull back in pump prices during the past six months these same experts are predicting that the pump prices are set to rise which in turn could make a big impact to us all.

Some have therefore turned to spreadbetting and CFDs to hedge their exposure to rising fuel costs by placing medium to longer term trades which pay out if oil prices rise across the globe. This approach is also relevant for small and medium sized businesses exposed to oil price moves – from hauliers, farmers and fisherman to virtually any business impacted by rising fuel costs. The large businesses have done this for many years, airlines hedging fuel costs to ensure any unexpected sharp rises in crude do not impact their budgetary plans in any fiscal year. In 2008 many haulier firms folded due to the rising cost of fuel but also due to fuel taxes in the UK remaining high – approximately 61% of the cost paid at the pump is tax revenue for the UK government, European haulier firms subject to lower fuel taxation were able to generate a significant competitive advantage against the UK haulage business at this time who were left unable to pass the full cost of rising fuel onto the customers they had.

Beyond hedging, spread betting and CFDs also allow investors the opportunity to trade on oil companies’ stock prices – from the Exxons, Shells and BPs of this world to the smaller exploration outfits, drilling as Getty did over half a century ago for that next 20,000-barrels-a-day oilfield and the opportunity to make a lot of money.

Sam Sparro – Black and Gold

18K Gold White Black Diamond Gun Pendant Pistol 83.77ct $63,250.00

CHANEL J12 BLACK CERAMIC ROSE GOLD WATCH DIAMOND BAUGETTES BEZEL 4.62 CT TW $54,999.00

Chopard LaStrada Gold White & Black Diamonds Watch !!! $54,000.00

Authentic Hermes Black & Rouge Crocodile Porosus Birkin 35 Gold Hardware Rare $42,975.00

MENS 18K YELLOW GOLD ROLEX MASTERPIECE BLACK DIAMOND DIAL! NEW STYLE WOW! $42,295.00

Special .* BLACK AND GOLD *. Hermes KELLY 32 cm *. CROCODILE POROSUS! $39,999.00

ROLEX – Men’s 18kt Gold MASTERPIECE Black Diamond Dial – 18948 $39,550.00

IMPORTANT BLACK OPAL 18K W GOLD DIAMOND RING / Pendant $39,000.00

Magnificent 36.51ct Multi Color Diamond 18K White & Black Gold 18mm Bangle $39,000.00

FRANCK MULLER WOMEN’S BLACK MAGIC 5850 WHITE GOLD BLACK DIAMONDS AUTOMATIC WATCH $38,449.95

FRANK MULLER MENS LONG ISLAND WHITE GOLD DIAMONDS BLACK LEATHER STRAP WATCH 1000 $36,999.99

16mm BLACK TAHITIAN PEARL NECKLACE W/ DIAMONDS 18K WHITE GOLD!! – TAKE A L@@k!! $32,999.99

MONTEGRAPPA 1995 THE DRAGON BLACK & GOLD FOUNTAIN PEN M $31,000.00

WATCH CHEST® Rolex Daytona Everose Gold Black 116505 $30,150.00

Supreme Gem Pendant Solid Black Opal 18ct Solid Gold $30,000.00

PARMIGIANI PERSHING CHRONO 002 MEN’S AUTO ROSE GOLD BLACK LEATHER WATCH PF602473 $29,999.95

Mens Black Diamond Link Bracelet Brilliant Round Cut 10KT Gold 54.58 Carats $29,995.00

*NEW* ROLEX MENS 18K EVEROSE GOLD CHOCOLATE BROWN DAYTONA BLACK BEZEL #116515 LN $29,990.00

Hublot Big Bang Rose Gold & Black Ceramic on Bracelet 44.5mm REF# 301.PB.131.PB $29,949.00

ROLEX – 18kt Everose Gold DAYTONA Black Dial – 116505 $29,620.00

WATCHCHEST® Rolex Gold Daytona Black Paul Newman 116528 $29,150.00

BEAUTIFUL 18K GOLD 189.45 CTS AQUAMARINE & BLACK DIAMOND PENDANT $29,000.00

ROLEX DAY-DATE II WHITE GOLD “BLACK-OUT” 41mm – RARE ED $28,995.00

WATCH CHEST®Daytona White Gold Rolex Watch Black Dial 116509 $28,950.00

ROLEX – DAYTONA 18kt Everose Gold – Black Dial 116505 $28,550.00

ROLEX – White Gold Black-Red DAYTONA – 116509 $28,100.00

ROLEX – 40mm 18kt Gold Daytona BLACK Index Dial – 116528 $27,950.00

WATCH CHEST® Rolex Mens Daytona 18k Gold Black dial 116528 $27,950.00

HERMES Clutch Medor Black Crocodile GOLD hardware $27,750.00

Rolex Daytona Everose Cosmograph 18K Rose Gold Chronograph 116505 Black $35,000R $27,500.00

ASIAN ART- 1800C ANTIQUE GOLD LEAF -BIRDS PARADISE 6 PANALS WOOD / BLACK LACQUER $27,000.00

ROLEX SUBMARINER ALL 18K GOLD BLACK FACE /BOX/PAPERSTAG $27,000.00

MENS GOLD 81.30CT TOTAL BLACK & WHITE DIAMOND ROSARY CROSS & BALL CHAIN NECKLACE $26,999.99

HERMES KELLY BLACK 35CM CROCODILE POROSUS GOLD HARDWARE ZBEST EVER! $26,999.00

ROLEX DAYTONA WHITE GOLD BLACK DIAL NEW UNWORN $26,990.00

NEW MENS 18K YELLOW GOLD ROLEX DAYTONA W/ BLACK DIAL!!! $26,595.00

*NEW* ROLEX 18K WHITE GOLD BLACK SERTI PRESIDENT 118239 $26,590.00

Rolex Daytona 18kt Yellow Gold Black Dial New Watch $26,500.00

Hermes .·:*¨CONSTANCE ~ CROCODILE BLACK & GOLD ~ ¨*:·. GORGEOUS DREAM ~ WOW $26,000.00

Volkswagen : Passat / CC CCLuxury white gold metallic/cornsilk beige/black leather one owner $26,000.00

ROLEX DAYTONA 18K WHITE GOLD ON BRACELET BLACK FACE 116509 BK – BNIB! $25,995.00

ROLEX – 18kt Gold DAYTONA Paul Newman Black – 116528 $25,950.00

ROLEX – 40mm 18kt Gold DAYTONA Black Model – 116528 $25,915.00

ROLEX – 18kt Gold DAYTONA Paul Newman Black Dial 116528 $25,915.00

Mens Diamond Chain Round Cut Black Color AAA Necklace Link 10k Gold 164.00ct $25,640.00

PATEK PHILIPPE 4910R/11R TWENTY-4 ROSE GOLD BLACK DIAL BOX & PAPERS $25,500.00

NEW HUBLOT BIG BANG RED GOLD CERAMIC BLACK CARBON 44MM $25,240.00

14K Gold White Black Diamond Leopard Pendant 23.61ct $25,121.00

Mint Rolex Daytona 18k Gold Black Serti Diamond Dial w/Box & Papers Y Serial $25,000.00

Cartier 18K White Gold , Diamond and Black Onyx Panthere Pendant $24,995.00

Hublot Big Bang Rose Gold & Black Ceramic 44mm on Rubber Strap 301.PB.131.RX $24,949.00

ROLEX DAYTONA YELLOW GOLD BLACK DIAL NEW UNWORN 116528 $24,900.00

Franc Vila Yellow Edition Chrono Rose Gold/ Black PVD New! $24,900.00

ROLEX GMT MASTER II 18K GOLD 116718 BLACK DIAL/BEZEL $24,900.00

PATEK PHILIPPE 6000g CALATRAVA “BLACK EDITION” WHITE GOLD FACTORY SEALED RARE $24,500.00

ROBERTO DEMEGLIO Made In Italy 46.36 CTW Color Black Gemstones 18K Gold Bracelet $24,499.00

Rolex Daytona Watch 18kt Rose Gold with Black Bezel and Strap Ref. 116515 $24,150.00

ROLEX – Mens 18kt Gold 40mm GMT-Master II Black Index Dial – 116718 $23,500.00

Rolex President 118205 Day Date *Rose Gold* Black Dial!!! NEVER WORN!!! $23,495.00

ROLEX – 18kt White Gold DAYTONA Black-Red Dial 116509 $23,450.00

Whirlpool PUR Side by Side Refrigerator Push Button Cyst Reducing Water Filter …

American Weigh Signature Series Black Digital Pocket Scale, 1000 by 0.1 grams $6.00 The AMW Series is a great durable and compact pocket scale for those who are seeking the on the go high-tech portable scale. The backlit LCD display helps make the numbers viewable and easy to read. The intuitive protective cover provides protection for the scale. With the smooth stainless steel weighing surface clean up is easy….

Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G $6.00 Introducing the M-500 from Fast Weigh Scales! This hip little scale is one of the hottest and most economical scales on the market today! The removable cover keeps the scale protected when not in use and also doubles as an expansion tray. Just replace the plastic cover when your done using it, and you can safely toss the scale in your handbag or pocket with no worries. Features: * A stylish yet ec…

In the Black $1.99 …

Firefly: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] $28.40 As the 2005 theatrical release of Serenity made clear, Firefly was a science fiction concept that deserved a second chance. Devoted fans (or “Browncoats”) knew it all along, and with this well-packaged DVD set, those who missed the show’s original broadcasts can see what they missed. Creator Joss Whedon’s ambitious science-fiction Western (Whedon’s third series after Buffy the Vampire Slayer and A…

Blades of Glory $2.99 …

Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Gold Tea, 160-Count Tea Bags $16.99 Yorkshire Gold from Taylors of Harrogate is the original Yorkshire Tea. This is the tea that started it all. Taylors Yorkshire Gold is a premium English Tea with a unique and distinctive taste. You can even call it a luxury tea. It is full-bodied and has a malty flavor….

Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates 48 count gift box $12.50 Established 60 years ago by Pietro Ferrero as a premier chocolate maker in Italy, today, Ferrero Rocher delights chocolates lovers all over the world with its delicious creations. At the heart of Rocher chocolates are a whole roasted hazelnut and creamy chocolaty filling inside a light, crispy wafer, all wrapped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts. This beautiful clear box contains 48 g…

12k Black Hills Yellow Gold Heart Locket Necklace $61.49 Black Hills gold locket makes an ideal giftPretty goldfill pendant hangs from a delicate rope chainNecklace is crafted of 12-karat yellow gold

Black Hills Gold over Silver Motorcycle Necklace $52.99 Motorcycle enthusiasts will have fun wearing this detailed Black Hills Gold and sterling silver pendant embellished with 12-karat rose and green gold leaves. An 18-inch sterling silver rope chain accompanies the necklace.

12k Black Hills Gold and Silver Claddagh Necklace $45.49 A 12-karat pink and green gold heart is being held by two sterling silver hands on this necklace. This jewelry shines in a polished finish.

14-kt. Black Hills Gold Rose Earrings $79.99 Crafted in 14-karat Black Hills gold, these dainty earrings display a beautiful pink rose.

Black Hills Silver Women’s Leaf Cutout Ring $29.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartWomen’s Black Hills silver bandRing features a beautiful carved leaf design

Black Hills Silver Women’s Rose Ring $29.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartWomen’s Black Hills silver bandRing features a beautiful carved rose and leaf design

Sterling Silver & Black Hills Gold Rose Ring $42.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartRose and leaf ringSterling silver band with 14k Black Hills Gold trim

Black Hills Gold and Silver Anchor Pendant Necklace $88.99 This lovely necklace is Black Hills Gold on silver Pendant features and anchor with leaves and grapes designFashion necklace is a 20-inch silver rope chain with spring ring clasp

Big Chill Women’s Gold Black Stitched Faux Leather Scuba Jacket $23.49 A subtle gold sheen highlights this black faux leather jacket from Big Chill. A structured stand collar and trapunto stitching shape this machine washable jacket, finished with goldtone zipper accents.

Sterling Silver and Black Hills Gold Men’s Cross Ring $81.49 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartMen’s cross ring with black hills gold leavesSterling silver jewelry

Black Hills Gold over Silver Created Emerald and Diamond Accent Ring $60.99 Created emerald and diamond ringBlack Hills Gold and sterling silver jewelry Click here for ring sizing guide

Sterling Silver and 14k Black HIlls Gold Women’s Band $74.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartRing features pink and green leavesSilver and black hills gold jewelry

Sterling Silver and 14k Black HIlls Gold Band $59.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartRing features pink and green leavesSilver and black hills gold jewelry

Black Hills Gold over Silver Created Alexandrite and Diamond Accent Ring $65.99 Created alexandrite and diamond ringBlack Hills Gold and sterling silver jewelry Click here for ring sizing guide

Black/ Gold Stripe Faux Silk Taffeta 108-inch Curtain Panel $88.19 Defined by a unique sheen and fine weave, this exclusive striped faux silk taffeta curtain panel is gorgeous and timeless. This window panel has a crisp smooth finish in color-coordinated stripes.

Black Hills Gold Guardian Angel Necklace $92.99 Inspirational Guardian Angel pendant with traditional Black Hills gold designPendant made of 10-karat and 14-karat yellow goldNecklace features 18-inch goldfill chain

Black Hills Gold Diamond Rose Ring $180.99 In this Black Hills gold ring, tiny leaves of 14-karat green and pink gold, vines of 10-karat yellow gold highlight a three-dimensiona

10k White Gold Black and White Diamond Ring $307.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartLuscious black and white diamonds glitter this exquisite ringFinely crafted of luminous white gold

Black Hills Gold Diamond Leaf Ring $129.99 Black Hills Gold Diamond Leaf Ring

Tahari Gold/ Black Jacquard Skirt Suit $56.99 This two-piece suit from Tahari features a lovely gold and black floral jacket with a three-button closure and notched collar. Fully lined, a black straight skirt finishes this suit.

Angelina D’Andrea 10k Yellow Gold Black Jade and White Freshwater Pearl Ring $65.99 Black jade and freshwater pearl ring10-karat yellow gold jewelryClick here for ring sizing guide

Black Hills Gold Garnet Heart Necklace $79.99 This beautiful heart pendant showcases a single heart-cut red garnet in the center. Crafted of 10-karat yellow gold with 12-karat pink and green Black Hills gold accents, the necklace includes a matching rope chain.

Handmade Heritage Kerman Black/ Gold Wool Rug (3′ x 5′) $56.94 An intricate Oriental design and dense, thick pile highlight this handmade rug. This floor rug has a black background and a gold border and displays stunning panel colors of green, blue, red, ivory, pink and beige.

14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Stud Earrings $33.99 Elegant studs feature large smooth black onyx stonesJewelry is crafted of classic 14-karat yellow goldSimple design of these stud earrings makes them ideal for any occasion

Black Hills Gold over Silver Dakota Rose Ring $99.99 Dakota rose design ringBlack Hills Gold over silver jewelryClick here for ring sizing guide

10k and 12k Black Hills Gold Gemstone Bracelet $204.99 Lovely bracelet is dotted with peridot, garnet, citrine, blue topaz, and amethyst gemstonesJewelry is crafted of 10k black hills gold with 12k yellow and rose goldBracelet is an eye-catching accessory for a special occasion

Sherry Kline Zumalay Black/Gold 6-piece Comforter Set $120.99 Update your bedroom decor with this luxurious comforter set Bedding set features striking animal print with velvety and colors are gold and blackComforter has a zebra design

Black Hills Gold and Sterling Silver Men’s Onyx Masonic Emblem Ring $142.99 Black onyx ringBlack Hills gold and sterling silver jewelry

10k White Gold 1ct TDW Black and White Diamond Ring (G-H, I2-I3) $350.99 Black and white diamond fashion ring10k white gold jewelry

Black Hills Gold Silver Onyx Eagle Ring $123.99 The sterling silver band features a majestic 10-karat yellow gold eagle set against a black onyx oval.

Black/ Gold Stripe Faux Silk Taffeta 120-inch Curtain Panel $102.59 Defined by a unique sheen and fine weave, this exclusive striped faux silk taffeta curtain panel is gorgeous and timeless. This window panel has a crisp smooth finish in color-coordinated stripes.

14k Black Hills Gold on Silver Emerald Birthstone Ring $47.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartCreated emerald May birthstone ringsilver ring with 14k pink and green leaves

10k Gold 1ct TDW Black and White Diamond Ring (I-J, I2) $279.99 This exquisite 3-stone ring features the sparkling allure of moonlight diamonds set amid icy white diamond accents. Crafted in lustrous 10-karat white gold, this elegant ring is a flattering choice for special occasions.

14k Black Hills Gold and Silver Flower Ring $61.99 Click here for Ring Sizing ChartRose and leaf ringsilver ring with 14k Black Hill Gold trim

10k White Gold Black and White Freshwater Pearl Earrings (6-7 mm) $96.99 Contrasting black and white freshwater pearls are featured on these earrings. This pretty jewelry is constructed of 10-karat white gold in a decoratively-twisted design.