How To Play An Oil Turnaround (If It's Happening)

Oil prices have been nearly halved since 2014, pushing energy stocks lower and leading investors to wonder where the bottom is.

While most analysts agree that prices will eventually recover as economies around the world pick up and supply and demand level out, the question of when prices will make their way higher remains elusive.

However, for brave investors who believe that 2016 is the year oil prices will finally begin to recover, this could be a money making year.

Related Link: Deutsche Bank Says $55 Oil Predicted Weeks Ago Now Seems Unreasonable

Numbers Suggest Improvement Is On The Way

Chris Kimble from Kimble Charting Solutions told Market Watch that data suggests that oil prices could be nearing a rebound. At the moment, crude oil prices are poised to have their worst 18-month drop in history.

Historical data shows that when prices fall up to 40 percent, the average 12-month return is 42 percent, with oil trading positive 98 percent of the time. According to his research, Kimble believes the commodity is due for a turnaround.

How To Play

For investors looking for a broader investment option, funds like the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) that provide exposure to the industry as a whole could be a good choice. Companies like Anadarko Petroleum Corporation APC, Baker Hughes Incorporated BHI and Halliburton Company HAL have all received positive ratings from a number of analysts.