The second half of last year we started to see another list of projects in place. It is in a lucrative position with one of the strongest production profiles in the sector with very attractive margins as well.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Exxon has the best management in the oil industry. They've been riding the momentum of higher prices for some time now, and they've got a pipeline of new opportunities that promises volume growth.

The dynamic shifted this year. There was a growing perception that supply was running out. The doomsday scenario that stated OPEC couldn't meet demand and the Saudis wouldn't be able to increase output gained traction.

Evacuations have already started, which is going to disrupt production. Any storm going through the Gulf is going to slow the pace of the recovery from Katrina.

We continue to view near-term sector weakness as more opportunity than risk as we head toward winter.

While stocks once again saw significant draws, the market's focus is currently set on seemingly weaker demand.