As the incompetence in Washington continues, crude oil prices have started to do the unexpected – at least to some folks anyway.

After falling during the initial stages of the crisis, oil prices have started to climb.    

This morning WTI is up modestly, while Brent is continuing a trend of stronger prices that appears to be accelerating.

According to the “traditional wisdom,” none of this is really possible. 

Given all of the financial uncertainty (and that is an understated way to describe the circus in DC), oil prices should be falling due to the associated decline in demand.

But in reality, the exact opposite has started to happen: Prices are rising, not falling off the cliff.

So what’s the reason behind this apparent disconnect in oil prices?

Here’s my take on crude, along with a developing opportunity in natural gas…

…..read more of “What’s Really Behind the Rise in Oil Prices”