CHINA OIL IMPORTS SURGE: During the month of July China imported 119.3 million barrels of crude oil via ocean-going tankers, an amount 26% higher than the same month last year. This info was provided by the China Ministry of Transport. There is speculation that the month of July could end up beating the old record of total monthly imports (March 2008) when the remainder of the numbers (rail, pipeline, etc.) are released next week.
THE BOTTOMLINE - HOW TO MAKE MONEY: When considering investment options to play the increased demand for oil from China there are several directions an investor could go. There is the pure oil play of investing in an oil-tracking ETF, there is the oil stocks that provide China with oil, a China ETF to play the growth in China based on the higher oil demand, and several others. I will look at the ships that are carrying the oil to China as a way to make money from the increased demand for oil from China. The Claymore/Delta Global Shipping ETF (SEA) is composed of a basket of shipping stocks that transports both petroleum products and dry bulk around the globe. The ETF is up 25% in 2009 and pays an annual dividend of 2.8%. The two largest holdings are Teekay LNG Partners (TGP) and Ship Finance International (SFL). Technically the ETF has resistance at $14 with support at $12.50 and is currently trading at $13.10; a pullback or breakout are the best buying options. | 
