Now oil stocks are easy for the smaller investor to trade. While the oil companies explore it, drill for it, refine it, and sell it, the consumer benefits from the product and now we can trade stocks in the oil companies, as well.

What crude oil is exactly is a dark, sticky, thick liquid. It is classified as a hydrocarbon, containing carbon and hydrogen. It is flammable and energy is created from burning it. Out of this we get fuel.

It is the most actively traded commodity in the world today, therefore offering liquidity. Trading is done in barrels. The reason for the preference to light sweet crude oils is because they have a low sulfur content and high value products, as well, yielding gasoline, jet fuel, heating and diesel fuels. A contract unit for crude is 1,000 barrels. There are about 42 gallons in one barrel.

The ten largest oil producing companies in the world today are: Saudi Arabia, Russia, U. S., Iran, Mexico, China, Canada, Norway, Venezuela, and Kuwait. About 240% more is produced than Russia consumes. In contrast, the U. S. Consumes one third more than its domestic production.

Although this type of trading used to be for the wealthy, only, technology has made it easier for the smaller investment to get in on the excitement.

Now that you know a little bit about crude oil, you need an account with a brokerage firm or on line. Do your research on which companies you have interest in, study their charts and analysis, as well as their annual reports, read the financial newspapers, and make a decision on just how much you intend to invest in this risky trading business. This will help in your decision about how many shares or barrels you intend to invest in. If you are new at this, you may need the assistance of a financial advisor. He or she is trained to know the market and advise you accordingly. And when you are ready, have an exciting time investing in oil stocks.

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