Phillipp10

The Oil Shortage, and Other Fairy Tales

USER 68127: I am not advocating you buy oil that may fall 40%. My point is that the high prices of today are at least somewhat real and that we have a real shortage (if affordability is a concern). Many on this board act as if oil is just pouring out of the ground but somehow, it is manipulated to be more expensive than it should be. By the way, if you had bought oil back in 1998, you would have made a fortune. Long term is the only way to invest....

The Oil Shortage, and Other Fairy Tales

Yes the price of oil will probably drop to $75 a barrel in the next 4 years. But after that it will make a slow steady climb. How high? Who knows. Depends upon solar, wind, more efficient cars and homes. It's really a crapshoot to predict.

The Oil Shortage, and Other Fairy Tales

User 197833: Apparently you're the only one with a brain here. Yes, we are seeing price increases due to speculation. However, that is only short term. Long term, the price is high due to a billion potential new drivers in India and China. All the while, the fields are declining and the really big finds are just not there. Wake up America 'cause the next 10-20 years are going to be very painful.

Beware of the Solar Stock Fad

Dlark: Be careful in your zeal for solar energy. A good portion of the cost of a solar cell goes to energy costs during manufacture. Secondly, there are a lot of toxic chemicals to dispose of also. You cannot just assume a solar cell is better than burning oil.

Beware of the Solar Stock Fad

Your spot on on this column. Like every mania, yes, there is lots of money to be made on certain stocks and at certain timeframes. However, eventually more players jump in the game, increasing supply and lowering the prices producers can charge, eroding margins and profits. When will this happen? Who knows. The key to investing in these companies is to hit the sweet spot and don't get too greedy. Get out before the field gets over-crowded.