David Fessler

Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report on total global investments in one specific form of "energy" in 2012. It pegged investment in this form of energy at between $310 billion and $360 billion. What is it? The answer might surprise you.

High gas prices at the pump can seriously hurt, but it might not be so bad if you've loaded your portfolio with U.S. oil producers and transporters.

If gold takes off even more, you could play it by buying physical bullion. But if you're not comfortable with having tens of thousands of dollars of gold coins or bars at home or even in a safety deposit box, there's something else you can do.