Americans averse to investing in oil stocks

Monday, September 20, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- With the ebb and flow of oil stocks buoyed to the lingering crisis in the Gulf, concerns about investing in oil companies continue to swell, according to Edward Jones financial advisor Robert Hardwick in Greencastle.

A recent survey from financial services firm Edward Jones shows 65 percent of Americans are reluctant to invest in oil company stocks, states Hardwick. An overwhelming 71 percent of women and 58 percent of men say they would not choose oil company stocks if they had money to invest, Hardwick added.

Despite Americans' dismal views on investing in oil, Edward Jones senior energy analyst Brian Youngberg believes now is an opportune time for investors to consider putting their money in oil stocks.

"We see oil and natural gas rising in the coming months and expect energy stock prices to follow suit," says Youngberg. "Energy stocks offer attractive dividend income, tend to be less volatile over time and can help investors diversify their portfolio and broaden their exposure in the energy sector." Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Dividends can be increased, decreased or eliminated at any time.

Hardwick notes that annual household income also played an influential role in the results, as Americans in the highest income brackets are slightly more inclined to put money in oil company stocks than lower earners. Forty percent of respondents with an annual income between $75,000 - $100,000 and 44 percent of those making more than $100,000 responded they would invest in oil stocks.

For more information about Edward Jones in Greencastle, please contact Robert Hardwick at 653-2717 or at 7 North College Ave.

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