The Trump administration has issued a broad license allowing U.S. entities to engage in key oil activities in Venezuela, a major sanctions relief step aimed at jumpstarting the nation's crippled energy industry under its new U.S.-backed leadership.
After a prolonged correction, Brent crude oil is showing signs of a potential trend reversal, with a forming double bottom pattern pointing toward a technical target near $95 per barrel. The shift comes amid a tightening physical market and simmering geopolitical risks.
Crude oil benchmarks plunged over 7%, with Brent near $66 and WTI around $62, as President Trump's comments eased fears of a U.S.-Iran conflict and a sell-off in metals markets spilled over. Analysts suggest the drop reflects a rapid unwinding of risk premiums rather than a fundamental change in supply dynamics.
Crude oil futures surrendered early gains to close lower Friday, as de-escalating rhetoric from Washington over Iran and a stronger dollar offset ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply constraints.
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.
Oil prices pulled back from multi-month highs on Friday amid broad market risk aversion, yet President Trump's intensified focus on Iran continues to inject a significant risk premium into the market, setting Brent crude for its strongest monthly gain in years.
Plains All American Pipeline's strategic pivot—selling its Canadian NGL unit for $3.8 billion to fund the acquisition of the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline—has sharpened its focus on oil transportation. While a 10% distribution hike signals confidence, analyst downgrades and heightened options volatility ahead of earnings reveal deep divisions over the company's risk-reward profile.
Brent crude surged above $70 a barrel for the first time since mid-2025, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and shifting supply dynamics, as analysts signal a fading bearish outlook for the oil market.
Analysts at Piper Sandler have increased their price target for Permian Basin-focused producer Diamondback Energy (FANG) to $218, maintaining an Overweight rating. The move comes as the firm anticipates solid Q4 results for gas-focused companies, while oil producers navigate a tougher pricing environment.
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.
Crude futures retreated sharply on Monday after weekend comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggested diplomatic engagement with Iran, easing fears of a military confrontation that had recently buoyed markets.
Chevron CEO Mike Wirth signals the energy giant could significantly ramp up processing of Venezuelan crude at its U.S. refineries, following a pivotal Treasury Department license that eases trade restrictions with Caracas.
As crude prices spike on Middle East tensions, fears of reignited inflation and subsequent Fed action cast a shadow over risk assets, with Bitcoin failing to capitalize on its perceived 'safe-haven' narrative.
Despite political pressure and vast reserves, U.S. oil majors ExxonMobil and Chevron are taking a cautious stance on new spending in Venezuela, demanding legal stability and fiscal reforms before committing fresh capital, even as they signal long-term interest.
U.S. oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron hinted at a potential future role in Venezuela's energy revival during earnings calls, emphasizing the need for legal stability and clearer political outcomes before any major commitments. While sanctions ease and new legislation emerges, the path to significant investment remains long and fraught with uncertainty.
The U.S. rig count saw a marginal increase this week, yet remains significantly below last year's levels as crude production dips and completions activity sends conflicting signals.
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.
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.
ExxonMobil and Chevron signal that significant investment in Venezuela's vast oil reserves hinges on clearer legal and fiscal stability, despite recent political changes and White House pressure.
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.
