Kiplinger Senior Associate Editor Jim Patterson has this excellent take on the current state of the energy sector and where things head from here. Some key Patterson takeaways:

1. Barring a global economic recession that crimps energy consumption, Patterson writes that crude oil and natural gas prices have probably hit their lows already.

2. Patterson adds that even as energy prices trend higher, expect plenty of short-term volatility and some sharp price pullbacks along the way.

3. Patterson cautions only the fields with the best resources and the most favorable production costs will lure investment capital

To read Jim's full article, click here.It’s filled with a ton of great information.

And a big thank-you to Jim for allowing us to share this with our PVF Outlook readers.