Which Oil ETF Is Right For You? OIL vs. USO vs. USL
Oil is arguably the most important commodity in the world today. The commodity and its derivatives make their way into essentially every application of modern life, from transportation and gasoline to plastics. Because of its vast applications, oil has also become one of the most heavily-traded commodities on the market, offering investors both the necessary levels of volatility and liquidity needed to make a lucrative trade. And thanks to the rapid expansion of the exchange-traded fund industry, investors now have several ways to gain access to the arguably most useful commodity in the world. Below, we outline the three most popular oil ETFs and which one will fit your investment objectives [for more oil news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
The Five Minute Guide To Oil ETFs
The world still largely runs on crude oil, and that ever-present demand coupled with erratic shifts in supply, makes it a volatile, liquid, and popular instrument for investors, traders, and speculators alike. Savvy individuals have always had the option to try to play oil prices through the equities of multinational energy companies and/or smaller independent exploration and production (E&P) companies, as well as actual oil futures themselves [see also 25 Ways To Invest In Crude Oil].
Crude Oil Guide: Brent Vs. WTI, What’s The Difference?
Arguably, the most important commodity in the world today is crude oil. The product and its derivatives made their way into virtually every application of modern life from transportation to plastics. This vital commodity also dominates politics in many parts of the world and ensures that some top producing nations have outsized influence on the world stage. In light of this, many might assume that most investors know everything about the product and how it trades around the globe. However, that is not the case, as there are several misconceptions about the various types of oil and how this commodity is priced [see also USA Oil Reserves: The World’s Largest?].