The market can be like a vast and ever-changing entity, one that sometimes confounds even the most experienced of traders. For everyday investors, it can be overwhelming to keep up with all the changes and developments that are occurring on a daily basis. However, when it comes to investing now, there is one segment of the market that is ripe for attention and investment: energy stocks. Recently, the energy sector has been on a tear, with many of the leading stocks surging in value over the past year. This trend shows no sign of stopping any time soon, with the mix of higher oil prices, technological advancements in renewables, and a shift to a more environmentally-minded approach to energy development all playing a part. For investors seeking to capitalize on this market shift, energy stocks are the place to be. One of the biggest drivers of the rising energy sector is oil. As demand for oil increases, the price of oil is also heading up. As oil prices rise, so does the average market value of energy companies. With the rise in oil prices comes the potential for increased profitability, making energy stocks a prime section of the market for investors to pay attention to. On top of rising oil prices, there is a great deal of innovation taking place in the energy sector. This includes a number of new technologies in the renewable energy space, as well as advancements in existing infrastructure that are allowing energy companies to become more competitive and efficient. This makes investing now in energy a great opportunity for those who understand the current trends and can capitalize on them. Overall, the energy sector is an important part of any portfolio. With a combination of traditional energy sources such as oil and new technologies in the renewable energy sector, the sector is set up for long-term growth and profitability. For investors interested in leveraging the advantage of being ahead of the curve, energy is the only segment of the market worth paying attention to.