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.
Facing a new U.S. threat of tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledges to pursue diplomatic channels and seek alternatives to avert a potential humanitarian crisis on the island, while safeguarding Mexico's own economic interests.
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.
Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation announces a dividend increase to $0.165 per share, as strong earnings growth and a sustainable payout ratio paint an optimistic financial picture for the Houston-based independent producer.
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.
Mexico faces a delicate balancing act as U.S. tariff threats targeting nations supplying oil to Cuba pressure a key trading partner to choose between economic interests and regional solidarity.
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.
Imperial Oil Ltd. reported robust fourth-quarter results, generating nearly $1.4 billion in free cash flow and announcing its largest-ever nominal dividend increase. Despite weather disruptions at its Kearl oil sands operation, the company highlighted record annual production and a disciplined capital return strategy that saw $4.6 billion returned to shareholders in 2025.
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.
The Trump administration has escalated pressure on Cuba by declaring a national emergency and threatening punitive tariffs on countries supplying it with oil, while simultaneously finalizing a reciprocal trade agreement with Guatemala aimed at bolstering Western Hemisphere supply chains.
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.
A dual shift in U.S. sanctions and Venezuelan oil law is unlocking the country's vast reserves for American companies, marking a potential turning point after decades of nationalization and economic isolation.
A discounted cash flow analysis suggests Australis Oil & Gas (ASX:ATS) shares may be trading close to their intrinsic value. We examine the model's assumptions and the broader context for the energy junior.
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.
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.
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.
In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.
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.
Despite a challenging price environment, Murphy Oil (MUR) reported strong operational execution for 2025 and laid out a capital plan focused on funding key international and offshore projects. While near-term production is set to dip, CEO Eric Hambly highlighted a transformative discovery in Vietnam and strategic portfolio expansion as pillars for future growth.
Malaysia's state energy giant Petronas unveils a sweeping three-year plan to sustain domestic oil and gas output, expand its global LNG footprint, and position itself as a regional leader in carbon capture, navigating the complex transition toward a lower-carbon future.
