The Toronto Stock Exchange is well known globally for its vast array of oil-sector stocks, and yet a majority of Canadians are not interested in investing in this sector, a recent survey by Edward Jones reveals.

In a poll of more than 1,000 adults, conducted by Harris/Decima in late July, only 23% of respondents said that they would invest in oil company stocks if they had money to invest.

Residents of oil-rich Calgary are most likely to invest in oil, 40% claiming that they would invest in oil company stocks if they had money to invest. Those in Quebec are least likely to do so, with only one-in-10 saying the same.

The lack of investor interest may be driven by negative media attention on the oil sector, according to Edward Jones analysts.

“While oil companies have been dominating headlines as of late — both with good news and bad — we urge investors not to chase the news of the day,” said Lanny Pendill, senior analyst, energy and utilities, Edward Jones.

Pendill expects that in the near term, oil prices could come under pressure — particularly if economic performance disappoints the market. But he sees attractive long-term investment opportunities in the oil sector.

“We continue to see rapid growth in oil demand from emerging economies such as China, India, and even the Middle East, which we believe will provide structural support for growing oil demand for many years to come,” he said. “Given attractive stock prices in the sector, we believe there are good opportunities for investors.”

Pendill says energy stocks should make up 15% of an investment portfolio, including a mixture of oil companies.

He recommends holding a wide array of companies in the oil sector, with a focus on integrated oil companies that have strong business diversification and lower price volatility, such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Royal Dutch Shell, and Suncor. Supplement these stocks with more volatile companies, such as drillers or exploration companies, to potentially enhance returns and improve diversification, he suggests. Examples of these more focused companies include Canadian Natural Resources, Nexen Energy and Transocean.

Investors should also consider adding natural gas-levered producers to their holdings, according to Pendill.

“Given the unpredictable nature as to the future of oil and natural gas prices, we recommend having a mixture of energy companies in your portfolio,” Edward Jones’ analysts said in their most recent energy sector report. “Given the recent strength in oil prices relative to natural gas, we believe now may be an opportune time to add natural-gas-levered producers if appropriate, particularly those focused on unconventional natural gas.”

IE