Investing in Natural Gas
You can invest in natural gas by buying shares of gas energy companies like Gazprom, Rosneft, Tatneft, Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, or Chevron. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest in gas futures or companies that produce gas are other options. Major natural gas ETFs are UNL, UNG, and GAZ which hold futures contracts.
Natural gas demand is forecasted to rise 29% by 2040 by the International Energy Agency, outperforming total energy demand growth. This makes natural gas an important investment market. However, over the long-term, demand is expected to decline with renewable energy transition. Investing in natural gas provides portfolio diversification since prices do not closely correlate with other assets. Prices can be volatile, creating potential for high returns. It may also hedge inflation. Downsides are long-term demand decline and price volatility risk.
Trading Natural Gas
You can trade natural gas futures contracts like Henry Hub, E-mini, and Delivered. You can also invest in gas companies like Suncor Energy and Devon Energy, although many explore for oil too. ETFs provide more diversified exposure than individual stocks. Examples are iShares STOXX Europe 600 Oil&Gas and iShares Oil&Gas Exploration and Production ETFs.
Is Investing in Natural Gas Worth It?
Natural gas investment has been challenging in recent years due to oversupply and volatile pricing. However, the natural gas industry is booming, and investing in it is a smart move for individuals and businesses alike. Natural gas is an abundant and accessible resource that provides opportunities for portfolio diversification. Prices can be volatile, but high returns are possible.
Investors can gain exposure to natural gas through stocks, ETFs, and futures. Companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Gazprom explore for and produce natural gas. ETFs like UNG, UNL, and GAZ hold futures contracts or invest in gas companies. Investors can also directly trade Henry Hub or other futures contracts. Over the long term, demand is expected to decline with renewable energy transition. So natural gas is better suited to medium-term investment horizons. Before investing in gas, understand basics of the industry by researching. Seeking financial advisor guidance is recommended, especially for beginners. Advisors can assess individual goals, risk tolerance and guide the investment process. Ultimately, natural gas investments carry risks from price volatility and long-term demand declines. But in the medium term, abundant supply and rising demand create investment potential.