Group 1: Industry Overview - According to Raytad Energy, global upstream exploration and development spending is expected to be around $600 billion in 2025, a decrease of 4% year-on-year, with deepwater investments projected to decline by 6% [1] - China's crude oil production has rebounded since 2019 due to a long-term strategy for increasing reserves and production, with a CAGR of 2.2% from 2019 to 2024, while natural gas production has a CAGR of 7.3% during the same period [1] - The "Big Three" oil companies in China have significantly increased capital expenditures from 2020 to 2023 and are expected to maintain high levels in 2024 and 2025, which will support upstream reserve growth and benefit their oil service subsidiaries [1] Group 2: Company Performance - In the first half of 2025, major oil service companies benefited from the ongoing domestic "increase reserves and production" initiative and the gradual release of overseas business performance, leading to improved operational quality despite falling oil prices [2] - CNOOC's oil service subsidiary reported a 23.3% year-on-year increase in net profit attributable to shareholders, while other companies like Haiyou Development and Haiyou Engineering saw net profit changes of +13.1% and -8.2% respectively, with the latter experiencing a 27% increase in gross profit [2] - The annualized ROE for CNOOC's oil service companies in the first half of 2025 showed resilience, with CNOOC at +1.5 percentage points compared to the full year of 2024, indicating a potential improvement in international competitiveness [2] Group 3: Market Performance - As of January 13, 2026, the National Petroleum and Natural Gas Index (399439) rose by 0.81%, with significant increases in stocks such as CNOOC's oil service (+6.03%) and China National Petroleum (+3.57%) [3] - The oil and gas ETF (159697) increased by 1.15%, reflecting a four-day consecutive rise, with the latest price reported at 1.23 yuan and a net subscription of 15 million units [3] - The top ten weighted stocks in the National Petroleum and Natural Gas Index account for 67.11% of the index, including major players like China National Petroleum, Sinopec, and CNOOC [3]

Group 1: SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) - SLB is considered best-in-class with strong international exposure and a technological edge driving higher margins [1] - Susquehanna analyst Bascome Majors maintained a positive rating on SLB and raised the price target from $42 to $52 [1] Group 2: Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) - Delta Air Lines is expected to report quarterly earnings with "pretty good" guidance despite shutdown effects in the fourth quarter [1] - Susquehanna analyst Christopher Stathoulopoulos maintained a positive rating on Delta Air Lines and raised the price target from $70 to $85 [2] - Delta Air Lines shares rose 0.7% to close at $72.31 [4] Group 3: Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF (NYSE:INFL) - Horizon Kinetics Inflation Beneficiaries ETF has a diverse portfolio including energy, financials, real assets, and materials [2] - The ETF gained 2.6% during the session [4] Group 4: SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:GLD) - SPDR Gold Shares is being bought by investors, indicating positive sentiment [3] - SPDR Gold Shares rose 1.4% during the session [4]

Market Overview - The US stock market showed mixed results, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 270.03 points, or 0.55%, closing at 49,266.11 points. In contrast, the Nasdaq fell by 104.25 points, or 0.44%, ending at 23,480.02 points, while the S&P 500 index saw a slight increase of 0.53 points, or 0.01%, to close at 6,921.46 points [4][5]. Economic Outlook - Fitch Ratings has raised its GDP growth forecast for the US for 2025 and 2026, adjusting estimates due to delayed economic data from the government shutdown at the end of last year. The Federal Reserve is expected to lower the federal funds rate to 3.25% in the first half of 2026 [6]. - US Treasury Secretary Becerra indicated that most models suggest the Fed's interest rate range may fall between 2.5% and 3.25%, emphasizing that rates remain significantly above neutral levels [7]. Inflation and Employment - A monthly survey from the New York Federal Reserve revealed an increase in US inflation expectations for December, while consumer confidence in the job market has dropped to its lowest level in over 12.5 years [8]. Energy Sector - Oil prices increased, with WTI crude for February rising by 3.2% to settle at $57.76 per barrel, and Brent crude for March up by 3.4% to $61.99 per barrel. Energy stocks saw a broad increase, with ExxonMobil rising over 3%, Chevron up more than 2%, and ConocoPhillips increasing by over 5% [10][11]. Mining Industry - Glencore and Rio Tinto have resumed negotiations to potentially create the world's largest mining company, with a combined market value exceeding $260 billion. This merger is taking place against a backdrop of increasing competition for copper resources [14]. Technology Sector - The performance of major tech stocks was mixed, with the US Tech Giants Index declining by 0.27%. Notable movements included Amazon rising nearly 2% and Google increasing over 1%, while Apple fell by 0.5%, marking its seventh consecutive day of decline due to high interest rate expectations impacting growth stock valuations [16][18].

Core Insights - The oil sector is experiencing positive momentum due to efforts to redevelop Venezuela's energy infrastructure, leading to renewed interest in oilfield services companies and major oil firms [1] Group 1: Industry Developments - The redevelopment of Venezuela's energy infrastructure is a key driver for the current positive sentiment in the oil sector [1] - There is a growing interest from oilfield services companies and oil majors as a result of this momentum [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - The analysis is provided by a buy-side equity analyst with over a decade of experience in various sectors including oil and gas, oilfield services, and energy [1]

Core Viewpoint - SLB N.V. has seen a significant increase in its share price due to geopolitical developments in Venezuela, which may lead to substantial investment opportunities in the energy sector [1][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - SLB N.V. (NYSE:SLB) provides technology for the energy industry on a global scale [2]. - The company is positioned to benefit from potential investments in Venezuela's energy infrastructure following a US military action that captured President Nicolas Maduro [3]. Group 2: Market Impact - The share price of SLB surged by 13.18% from December 30, 2025, to January 6, 2026, marking it as one of the top-performing energy stocks during that week [1]. - Investors are optimistic that the revival of Venezuela's oil infrastructure will require SLB's services, including rigs, crews, and drilling equipment, which could lead to a strong pipeline of projects for the company [4]. Group 3: Future Prospects - The potential for SLB to significantly contribute to boosting Venezuelan crude production is highlighted, suggesting a positive impact on the company's revenue [4].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock market experienced a significant decline, influenced by President Trump's announcement to prohibit large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, raising concerns about the housing market and economic slowdown [1][2][3]. Group 1: Stock Market Performance - The U.S. stock market saw most indices decline, with the Dow Jones dropping nearly 1% and the S&P 1500 residential construction index falling by up to 2.2% [1]. - Blackstone's stock plummeted by as much as 9.3%, while major banks like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup also experienced declines [2]. - The overall sentiment in the market was negative, with significant drops in energy stocks, including ExxonMobil and Chevron [3]. Group 2: Housing Market Impact - President Trump's proposed measures aim to make housing more affordable for Americans by restricting institutional investors from buying single-family homes, which he claims has made homeownership increasingly unattainable for many, especially young people [2]. - Analysts express skepticism about the actual impact of the ban on housing prices, noting that institutional investors hold a relatively small share of the overall market [3]. Group 3: Economic Indicators - The U.S. private sector added 41,000 jobs in December, which was below the market's expectations of approximately 50,000 [5]. - Mortgage rates decreased from 6.32% to 6.25%, the lowest since September 2024, but this decline did not stimulate mortgage demand, as applications fell by 9.7% during the holiday period [4].

Core Viewpoint - SLB is experiencing a decline in stock price despite a significant gain over the past month, with upcoming earnings expected to show a decrease in EPS but an increase in revenue [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - SLB closed at $42.37, reflecting a -2.89% change from the previous day, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.34% [1] - Over the past month, SLB shares have increased by 13.92%, while the Business Services sector and S&P 500 gained 2.46% and 1.19%, respectively [1]. Group 2: Earnings Expectations - SLB is set to release its earnings report on January 23, 2026, with an anticipated EPS of $0.74, indicating a 19.57% decline from the same quarter last year [2]. - The consensus estimate projects revenue of $9.54 billion, which represents a 2.74% increase compared to the equivalent quarter last year [2]. Group 3: Full Year Projections - For the full year, earnings are projected at $2.89 per share, reflecting a -15.25% change from the previous year, while revenue is expected to remain flat at $35.78 billion [3]. Group 4: Analyst Sentiment - Recent changes in analyst estimates for SLB suggest a positive outlook on the company's business operations and profit generation capabilities [3]. - The Zacks Rank system currently rates SLB at 4 (Sell), indicating a lack of upward momentum in EPS estimates over the past month [5]. Group 5: Valuation Metrics - SLB is trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 14.91, which is lower than the industry average of 17.07, suggesting that SLB may be undervalued [6]. - The Technology Services industry, part of the Business Services sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 109, placing it in the top 45% of over 250 industries [6].

Core Insights - The U.S. plans significant changes for Venezuela's oil industry following the ousting of its president, with U.S. companies likely to benefit from the situation [2] - Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that the U.S. will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely, redirecting proceeds to American banks and easing sanctions that have limited the country's crude exports [2] Companies Positioned for Gains - Chevron (CVX) is the only major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela, managing joint ventures that account for about 25% of the country's oil output, producing approximately 140,000 barrels per day [7][10] - ConocoPhillips (COP) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) could potentially return to Venezuela to recover up to $12 billion and $1.4 billion in outstanding claims for expropriated assets [8] - Halliburton (HAL) and SLB (SLB) are positioned to benefit from reconstruction contracts due to the need for significant investment in Venezuela's aging oil infrastructure, estimated to cost at least $100 billion over a decade [9][10] Refiners Capable of Processing Venezuelan Heavy Crude - Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) operates 15 refineries with a capacity to process 3.2 million barrels per day of heavy crude, making it well-suited for Venezuelan oil [11] - Phillips 66 (PSX) has refineries in Louisiana and Texas capable of processing hundreds of thousands of barrels per day of Venezuelan grades, although full potential realization may take years [12] - Marathon Petroleum (MPC) has the largest heavy crude processor in the region, with analysts estimating it could capture 20% to 30% of any increased Venezuelan oil flows [13] Economic Considerations - The current oil price range of $57–$60 per barrel poses challenges for investment in Venezuela, with estimates suggesting it would cost $53 billion to maintain production levels of just under 1 million barrels per day over the next 15 years [14][15] - New projects in Venezuela require oil prices around $80 per barrel to be profitable, making investment less attractive compared to other regions with lower breakeven costs [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant decline in the US and European stock markets, driven by President Trump's announcement to potentially ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, raising concerns about the housing market and economic slowdown [1][3]. Market Performance - The US stock market saw a notable drop, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling nearly 1% and Blackstone experiencing a decline of up to 9.3%. The S&P 1500 residential building index decreased by as much as 2.2% [1][3]. - Bank stocks were broadly down, with JPMorgan falling over 2%, Goldman Sachs down more than 1%, and Bank of America dropping nearly 3% [3]. Real Estate Sector Impact - Trump's proposed measures aim to make housing more affordable for Americans, particularly younger individuals, by limiting institutional investment in single-family rentals. This could significantly impact the business of private equity firms and real estate investment trusts [3][4]. - Some analysts question the actual impact of the ban on housing prices, noting that institutional investors hold a relatively small share of the overall market [4]. Energy Sector Reaction - The energy sector also faced declines, with ExxonMobil down over 2% and Chevron down 0.86%. Trump announced that the US would acquire 50 million barrels of previously sanctioned oil from Venezuela [4]. Dollar Index and Global Market Effects - The dollar index rebounded, affecting global market sentiment and leading to declines in international precious metals and commodities. COMEX gold futures fell by 0.65% to $4467.1 per ounce, while silver futures dropped by 3.77% to $77.98 per ounce [6][7]. - The decline in mortgage rates to 6.25% did not stimulate demand, as mortgage applications fell by 9.7% during the holiday period [7].

Core Viewpoint - SLB Limited is experiencing positive sentiment from institutional investors, reflected in increased holdings and a raised price target by Susquehanna, indicating a favorable outlook for the company's future performance [1][2][3]. Group 1: Institutional Investor Activity - Community Trust and Investment Co. increased its holdings in SLB by 4.3% during Q3, now owning 426,794 shares valued at approximately $14.7 million [2]. - Synergy Asset Management LLC doubled its stake in SLB, now holding 80,830 shares valued at $2.7 million [3]. - Bank Pictet and Cie Europe AG significantly increased its stake by 1,937.4%, now holding 996,948 shares, indicating growing interest among institutional investors [3]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Market Metrics - SLB's current stock price on the NYSE is $43.18, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.03% or $0.45 [4]. - The stock has traded between $42.72 and $43.90 today, with a yearly high of $45.16 and a low of $31.11, indicating volatility [4]. - The company's market capitalization is approximately $64.5 billion, with a trading volume of 2,436,972 shares, showing active investor interest [4].