Drilling activity in unconventional plays remains robust despite depressed natural gas prices--a puzzling disconnect that prompts many investors to steer clear shale-gas producers. Pugh Clauses explain part of this anomaly. Read More

The upcoming US midterm elections and recent votes in Australia and the UK have important implications for the market and energy-focused investors. Read More

Natural gas prices may be depressed, but this commodity has a bright future. Read More

Whereas coal still appears to be king, the purported heir to the throne, alternative energy, appears a ways off from being a contender; second-quarter results were decent, but 2011 is shaping up to be an absolute disaster for the former market darling. Read More

Recent deal activity in pressure-pumping services reflects strong growth prospects in shale-gas plays. Read More

Oil refining is one of the most important business segments in the energy industry, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. Here's how to separate the value traps from the value plays. Read More

Longtime readers known that oil-services companies are among my favorite plays for long-term growth. This undervalued oil-services name has turned the corner on its problems and is our top pick for August. Read More

Investors should regard any pullback as an opportunity to buy the names in the model Portfolios. In particular, subscribers should consider adding to positions in my favorite oil-services names and master limited partnerships (MLP). Read More

Investors need to recognize emerging markets’ growing need to secure resources. China is already buying up coal reserves in Australia, securing long-term supply agreements for natural gas with Russia and investing in oil projects across Africa, South America and the Middle East. Read More