Crude oil and gasoline prices advanced on Friday, supported by persistent geopolitical risks in the Middle East and ongoing supply constraints, though gains were tempered by a stronger dollar and diplomatic signals.
While rising crude prices have lifted Occidental Petroleum's stock recently, a mixed earnings performance and a predominantly 'Hold' rating from Wall Street signal lingering skepticism about its near-term trajectory.
Chevron is significantly increasing crude exports from Venezuela to the United States, capitalizing on a special U.S. license and growing demand from Gulf Coast refineries, while new competitors enter the recently reopened market.
ExxonMobil reported a 14% year-on-year decline in fourth-quarter net profit, pressured by lower crude prices and chemical margins. Despite the quarterly drop, the energy giant highlighted record production levels, robust cash flow, and continued heavy returns to shareholders as evidence of its strengthened operational foundation.
A recent downgrade of Enbridge Inc. by J.P. Morgan analysts has intensified the debate over the pipeline giant's ability to balance future growth with its prized dividend stability, as macroeconomic headwinds pressure its core crude oil segment.
London's blue-chip index surged to a historic high as investors rotated into defensive sectors, shrugging off a brutal sell-off in precious metals and oil triggered by geopolitical shifts and regulatory moves.
January 2026 saw dramatic swings across commodity markets, with precious metals soaring to record highs before a sharp correction, while energy commodities rallied on strong winter demand. The month underscored the sector's inherent volatility amid shifting seasonal and macroeconomic forces.
While the energy sector retrenched amid falling crude prices, ExxonMobil executed a massive $20 billion share repurchase program in 2025, underlining its financial muscle and commitment to shareholder returns. The oil giant also reported earnings that beat estimates, driven by record production in the Permian Basin and Guyana, even as it takes a hardline stance on reinvesting in Venezuela.
As the Federal Reserve prepares for a potential policy shift in 2026, analysts flag real estate, financials, energy, and consumer discretionary as vulnerable sectors. Structural challenges and changing macroeconomic conditions could pressure performance despite broader market gains.
Global markets stumbled on Monday, with Asian shares and U.S. futures declining sharply. The sell-off was led by a significant pullback in South Korean tech stocks amid renewed concerns over an AI sector bubble, while oil prices dropped over $2 per barrel.
Global markets opened the week under pressure, with Asian shares and U.S. futures declining amid renewed concerns over an AI sector bubble and falling commodity prices. South Korea's Kospi led losses with a sharp 4.6% drop.
Oil prices plunged and precious metals extended their historic sell-off as easing US-Iran tensions and President Trump's hawkish nominee for Federal Reserve Chair triggered a dramatic dollar rally, sending shockwaves through global markets.
Exxon Mobil and Chevron reported declines in full-year earnings as a sustained oil surplus pressured prices, though both companies highlighted strategic shifts toward LNG, chemicals, and power projects to fuel future growth.
Chevron Corp. reported a drop in fourth-quarter earnings that nonetheless beat analyst expectations, as the oil giant emphasized operational efficiency to navigate lower crude prices. The company, the sole U.S. producer active in Venezuela, signaled it is assessing further investment opportunities in the country following recent geopolitical shifts.
Asian equities faced broad declines Friday, pressured by renewed investor skepticism over the AI investment boom and a sharp pullback in precious metals. The sell-off unfolded against a backdrop of easing oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties.
Major U.S. stock indices advanced Monday, setting a positive tone for a week packed with corporate earnings reports from technology giants and other bellwethers. Investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic as early results surpass expectations.
Microsoft secures a major cloud agreement with AI search firm Perplexity, even as its stock faces pressure following a post-earnings selloff. The deal underscores Azure's growing appeal to AI startups, but questions linger over the tech giant's capacity constraints and investment priorities.
In a rare show of common cause, both government supporters and opponents took to the streets of Caracas on Monday, demanding better salaries and pensions as the interim administration promises an oil-fueled recovery.
As the energy sector leads the market in early 2026, ConocoPhillips and Kinder Morgan emerge as compelling picks for investors seeking reliable, growing dividends backed by strong fundamentals and strategic positioning.
A landmark all-stock merger between Devon Energy and Coterra Energy will create a $58 billion powerhouse, positioning it as a top-tier producer in the prolific Permian Basin amid a wave of industry consolidation.
