New federal data reveals a significant year-over-year jump in energy costs for November, with natural gas prices soaring and electricity rates climbing, squeezing household budgets amid fluctuating demand and generation patterns.
U.S. stocks advanced cautiously Monday as investors braced for a wave of corporate earnings reports, while crude oil prices tumbled sharply. The focus remains on key tech results and evolving geopolitical developments affecting global trade and energy markets.
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.
In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.
Despite OPEC+ maintaining production cuts, crude benchmarks fell sharply on Monday, pulling energy stocks like ConocoPhillips down with them as immediate fears of a supply disruption in the Persian Gulf subsided.
In a significant vote of confidence for Latin America's premier shale play, investment firm PING Capital Management has substantially increased its holding in Argentina-focused Vista Energy, underscoring a strategic focus on operational execution over mere commodity price speculation.
Equinor's stock has gained ground over the past month, yet a detailed fair value analysis suggests the Norwegian energy giant may be trading at a premium. Investors are weighing strong long-term momentum against future headwinds from the green shift.
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.
Roth Capital has upgraded Energy Fuels (UUUU) from 'Sell' to 'Neutral', raising its price target to $15. The move follows the uranium miner's strategic acquisition of Australian Strategic Materials, expanding its rare earths portfolio and positioning within Western critical mineral supply chains.
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.
Gulfport Energy (NYSE: GPOR) shares have surged roughly 200% over three years, yet a deep dive reveals conflicting signals. While a cash flow model suggests significant undervaluation, its price-to-sales ratio tells a more cautious tale, leaving investors to weigh the metrics against a volatile energy backdrop.
Drivers across the Midwest are feeling the pinch as regional gasoline prices rose for a second consecutive week, with the current average now sitting 9 cents higher than last month. While still below the national average, the steady increase signals potential pressure on household budgets.
Sugar futures tumbled further this week, with New York prices hitting a 2.5-month low and London white sugar sinking to a five-year trough, as analysts warn of swelling global surpluses driven by record harvests in Brazil and India.
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.
A sharp, unexpected jump in wholesale prices complicates the White House's economic narrative and its pressure campaign on the Federal Reserve for rate cuts.
Analysts at Susquehanna have raised their price target for ConocoPhillips (COP) to $115, citing a positive long-term outlook despite near-term headwinds from oversupply and soft demand. The independent energy giant also stands out for its robust dividend yield.
The leading U.S. liquefied natural gas exporter, Cheniere Energy, has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.555 per share, reinforcing its commitment to shareholder returns even as analysts adjust near-term price targets.
Analysts at Piper Sandler have slightly lowered their price target for Expand Energy (EXE), the natural gas giant formed from a recent mega-merger, reflecting near-term pressures but maintaining a bullish long-term outlook for the sector.
Drivers across the Southeast are feeling the pinch as average pump prices in the Lower Atlantic region rose to $2.75 per gallon this week, continuing an upward trend that analysts link to seasonal demand and refinery adjustments.
Barclays has initiated coverage on Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE) with an 'Equal Weight' rating and a $153 price target, citing strong fundamentals but suggesting the market has already priced in its near-term growth trajectory, particularly from AI data center demand.
