Oil prices wavered between small gains and losses Tuesday October 16, 2012, as traders mulled mixed data about the nation's slowly recovering economy.

The Labor Department said the consumer price index rose 0.6 percent last month, the same as in August, with inflation still in check.

Meanwhile the Federal Reserve said industrial production was barely higher last month, and factory output showed a decline in the July-September quarter. Weak activity in the nation's manufacturing sector generally means less demand for oil. Read more »

The Arkansas Public Service Commisson began hearings yesterday October 13, 2012 on the proposal by SWEPCO and the Arkansas Electric Cooperatives to be allowed to charge ratepayers more than $400 million to retrofit their Flint Creek coal-burning generating plant so it can meet stricter air quality standards. Read more »

What advantages are there to selling my royalties for a lump sum payout?

 Cleaning up your estate and saving your heirs from the complicated and expensive title transfer process.

Reinvesting the proceeds into safer investments.

Putting an end to all the record keeping and paperwork.

Taking advantage of one of the lowest long-term capital gains tax rate since the Great Depression while it lasts. Read more »

Oil prices rose Thursday October 4, 2012 after positive U.S. economic reports offset some of the pessimism about global growth prospects.
 
Benchmark oil for November delivery was up 20 cents to $88.33 per barrel at late afternoon Bangkok time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Wednesday, oil fell $3.75, or 4.1 percent, to $88.14 per barrel in New York. That was the biggest decline since May 4.
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