Drilling activity in unconventional plays remains robust despite depressed natural gas prices--a puzzling disconnect that prompts many investors to steer clear shale-gas producers. Pugh Clauses explain part of this anomaly.

Natural gas prices may be depressed, but this commodity has a bright future.

Recent deal activity in pressure-pumping services reflects strong growth prospects in shale-gas plays.

Oil refining is one of the most important business segments in the energy industry, but it's also one of the most misunderstood. Here's how to separate the value traps from the value plays.

Investors need to recognize emerging markets’ growing need to secure resources. China is already buying up coal reserves in Australia, securing long-term supply agreements for natural gas with Russia and investing in oil projects across Africa, South America and the Middle East.

Master limited partnerships (MLP) and oil-tanker stocks offer far higher yields than US government bonds and other traditional income-oriented sectors--not to mention leverage to growing demand for energy commodities.

Going forward, energy insurers should enjoy higher premiums as operators seek to bulk up coverage, and models price in substantial risks.

The price of natural gas liquids has declined recently, but investors shouldn't worry about this seasonal weakness. However, the Obama administration's moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is a bigger concern.

Expect China’s big three energy companies to continue to invest in North American and Australian shale-gas operations.

Tim Guinness, the London-based manager of Guinness Atkinson Global Energy (GAGEX), shares his take on the oil spill's impact and the future of the US energy sector.