WTI futures prices surged after reports of Gulf Coast refinery outages. Such regional disruptions can tighten prompt supplies, driving traders to bid up near-term contracts. The near-term outlook suggests oil prices will remain volatile. Brent faces resistance near US$70, while WTI’s downside support sits close to US$62. Analysts caution that the narrow Brent–WTI spread could widen again if geopolitical shocks restrict seaborne supply or if U.S. export growth stalls. – Downstream companies turn crude into gasoline and diesel, such as Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and Phillips 66 (PSX). These stocks often pay dividends and are easy to buy through an online brokerage , but they can rise and fall with oil prices and news. Upstream stocks usually move the most. Oil ETFs and mutual funds bundle dozens of energy companies into one purchase, which spreads your risk. Popular choices include Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE), Vanguard Energy Index Fund ETF Shares (VDE) and Fidelity Select Energy Portfolio (FSENX). ETFs trade like a stock and keep things simple. You’ll still feel big moves in oil, and funds charge fees, so check costs before you click buy. Futures and options are the direct, high-octane path. A futures contract sets a price today for oil delivered later. If you buy at $75 a barrel and the price climbs to $90, you profit. If it drops to $65, you take the hit. Options are paid-upfront bets on direction with defined risk. This lane can move fast and requires a margin-approved account and strict risk rules. Smaller “micro” futures exist if you want tiny position sizes. If you’re new, keep it simple. Start with a broad energy ETF or a large, steady oil company, set a budget, and learn the rhythms of the market. If you ever try futures, practice on a simulator first and start small. Technical traders eye the $78.90 resistance on WTI futures; a clean breakout could set sights on the psychological $80 barrier, with momentum models supporting upward bias.