Though near-term pressures from the Iran war appear to be easing, 2026 has been a lesson in just how quickly and dramatically the cost of oil can fluctuate. Crude oil futures that started the year around $60 quickly spiked to more than $112 in early April before pulling back to around $90 as of mid-month. The volatility means some skittish investors will run for safer plays, but it also presents an opportunity for those willing to take on a bit more risk.
Investing in oil can be complicated, though, particularly for those without prior experience and background. One way to control exposure and avoid a direct investment in the commodity is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which can be structured to benefit from an increase in the price of oil while taking a lot of the details out of the hands of individual investors. One more step of removal from oil itself may involve funds targeting oil-adjacent stocks, including equipment and infrastructure providers and servicers.
