Crude-oil inventories tumbled last week after sliding slightly in the prior period, while gasoline stockpiles fell less than expected, according to government data released Wednesday.

With fuel prices taking a bigger bite out of budgets, and no sign of an imminent price decline, you may be considering an offer for a gasoline rewards card.

Shares of oil and natural gas companies fell Tuesday as commodity prices slid after Hurricane Gustav failed to deliver an expected harsh blow to the U.S. energy infrastructure.

The market experts have handed over some of their favorite picks to CNBC, and they like companies in the energy, defense and food sectors. See more in these videos.

Arieh Coll, manager of the Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Growth Fund, shares his best stock picks to beat the volatility blues. Hint: he names oil-&-gas, coal and wireless stocks.