Market Overview - Global stock markets experienced a "collective retreat" with the S&P 500 futures indicating a fourth consecutive day of decline for U.S. stocks [2][27] - As of the latest update, Dow futures fell by 0.09%, S&P 500 futures dropped by 0.38%, and Nasdaq futures decreased by 0.66% [3][28] - Asian markets faced heavier declines, with the South Korean Kospi index plummeting by 5.3%, triggering a temporary trading halt [3][28] Commodity Market Volatility - Extreme volatility in the commodity market remains a focal point, with gold prices initially dropping by 10% before narrowing losses, and silver prices falling by 16% before recovering most of the decline [5][30] - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange raised margin requirements for precious metals futures, increasing holding costs for traders, which typically pressures prices and trading activity [5][30][31][32] Federal Reserve Leadership Impact - The nomination of Kevin Walsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair is shifting market expectations towards "less/fewer rate cuts," impacting precious metals prices [12][37] - Analysts suggest that Walsh's past criticisms of the Fed and focus on price stability may lead to a reassessment of the dollar's depreciation narrative, contributing to the recent drop in gold, silver, and copper prices [12][37] Upcoming Economic Data and Earnings Reports - Investors are focusing on the upcoming U.S. non-farm payroll report, expected to show an increase of 68,000 jobs, the largest gain in four months, scheduled for release on Friday [12][41] - A busy earnings week is anticipated, with major companies like Google and Amazon set to report their quarterly results [41][42] Individual Stock Movements - Energy stocks are experiencing pre-market declines, with Occidental Petroleum down 3.1% and ConocoPhillips down 2.6% [43] - Rare earth stocks surged in pre-market trading following President Trump's announcement of a $12 billion mineral reserve initiative [43] - Disney shares rose by 4% in pre-market trading after reporting quarterly revenue that exceeded expectations [44]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. energy company stocks experienced a decline in pre-market trading on February 2, with notable drops across major companies in the sector [2] Group 1: Company Performance - Occidental Petroleum saw a decrease of 3.1% [2] - ConocoPhillips dropped by 2.6% [2] - Halliburton's stock fell by 4.1% [2] - Schlumberger experienced a decline of 2.9% [2] - ExxonMobil's shares decreased by 1.5% [2] - Chevron's stock was down by 1.7% [2]

Core Viewpoint - Oil prices have dropped by 5%, leading to significant pre-market declines in the stock prices of major U.S. energy companies [1] Group 1: Company Stock Performance - Occidental Petroleum (OXY.US) shares fell by 3.1% [1] - ConocoPhillips (COP.US) shares decreased by 2.6% [1] - Halliburton (HAL.US) stock dropped by 4.1% [1] - Schlumberger (SLB.US) shares declined by 2.9% [1] - ExxonMobil (XOM.US) saw a decrease of 1.5% in its stock price [1] - Chevron (CVX.US) shares fell by 1.7% [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the analysis of oil and gas companies, focusing on identifying undervalued firms within the sector [1] - The author emphasizes the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, highlighting the importance of patience and experience in navigating this market [2] - The investing group, Oil & Gas Value Research, seeks out under-followed oil companies and midstream firms that present attractive investment opportunities [2] Group 2 - The article mentions that the analysis includes a breakdown of companies' balance sheets, competitive positions, and development prospects [1] - The investing group features an active chat room for investors to discuss recent information and share investment ideas [2]

Group 1 - The article discusses the analysis of oil and gas companies, focusing on identifying undervalued firms within the sector [1] - The author emphasizes the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, highlighting the importance of patience and experience in investing [2] - The investing group, Oil & Gas Value Research, seeks out under-followed oil companies and midstream firms that present attractive investment opportunities [2] Group 2 - The article mentions that the investing group includes an active chat room for discussions among oil and gas investors, facilitating the sharing of recent information and ideas [2]

Market Performance - S&P 500 increased by 0.3% while Nasdaq decreased by 0.2% this week[1] - Small-cap stocks led the decline with Russell 2000 value down by 1.0% and Russell 2000 growth down by 3.1%[1] - Key sectors showing gains include telecommunications (+9.0%) and technology hardware (+4.6%) while software and services fell by 6.9%[1] Fund Flows - Estimated fund flow for S&P 500 components was -$84.1 million this week, a significant drop from +$5.6 million last week[2] - Major inflows were seen in technology hardware (+$40.3 million) and media and entertainment (+$39.5 million) while software and services experienced outflows of -$106.0 million[2] Earnings Forecast - S&P 500's forward 12-month EPS expectation increased by 0.8% this week, up from 0.2% last week[3] - Notable upward revisions were in technology hardware (+5.6%) and automotive (+3.2%) sectors, while energy saw a downward revision of -2.7%[3] Risk Factors - Economic fundamentals, international political uncertainties, U.S. fiscal policy, and Federal Reserve monetary policy present significant risks[3]

Market Performance - S&P 500 increased by 0.3% while Nasdaq decreased by 0.2% this week[1] - Small-cap stocks led the decline with Russell 2000 value down by 1.0% and Russell 2000 growth down by 3.1%[1] - 13 sectors saw gains, while 10 sectors experienced losses, with telecommunications leading at +9.0%[1] Fund Flows - Estimated fund flow for S&P 500 components was -$84.1 million this week, down from +$5.6 million last week[2] - Major inflows were seen in technology hardware (+$40.3 million) and media & entertainment (+$39.5 million)[2] - Significant outflows occurred in software & services (-$106.0 million) and healthcare equipment & services (-$57.7 million)[2] Earnings Forecast - S&P 500's forward 12-month EPS expectation increased by 0.8% this week, up from 0.2% last week[3] - 21 sectors had upward revisions, with technology hardware & equipment seeing the largest increase at +5.6%[3] - Energy sector saw a downward revision of -2.7%[3] Risks - Economic fundamentals, international political situations, U.S. fiscal policies, and Federal Reserve monetary policies present uncertainties[3]

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is recognized as one of the 12 best long-term stocks to buy [1] Group 1: Valuation and Market Position - BofA raised Exxon's price target to $135 from $129 while maintaining a Neutral rating, indicating a focus on relative valuation among US and European integrated oil companies [2] - BofA prefers Buy-rated TotalEnergies and Chevron over Neutral-rated Exxon and Shell, and Underperform-rated BP, based on relative valuations within the supermajors [2] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - Exxon Mobil and China's BYD have signed a long-term strategic Memorandum of Understanding to expand their partnership in hybrid vehicle technology, focusing on customized product R&D and new materials [3] - The collaboration follows the launch of a specialized engine oil for BYD's plug-in electric vehicles, indicating a commitment to innovation in the automotive sector [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Exxon Mobil is one of the largest integrated energy companies globally, involved in oil and natural gas exploration, production, refining, and manufacturing of fuels, petrochemicals, lubricants, and advanced plastics [4] - The company is also investing in lower-emission initiatives, including carbon capture and lithium production, reflecting a focus on sustainability [4]

Core Viewpoint - Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, has reached a tentative agreement to sell the majority of its international assets to Carlyle Group amid ongoing Western sanctions affecting Russian energy companies [1][2]. Group 1: Asset Sale Details - The deal includes Lukoil's oil and gas fields spanning from Iraq to Mexico, thousands of petrol stations in 20 countries, and refineries located in Bulgaria and Romania [2]. - The total book value of Lukoil's entire international business is reported to be $22 billion, although the specific value of the current deal has not been disclosed [2]. Group 2: Exclusions and Regional Interests - Lukoil's interests in Kazakhstan will not be included in the asset sale [2]. - Kazakhstan has submitted a bid to U.S. authorities to acquire stakes in Russian oil producers' energy projects within the country [3]. Group 3: Market Context and Future Outlook - The U.S. Treasury Department authorized potential buyers to negotiate with Lukoil for its foreign assets starting in November, which represent approximately 0.5% of global oil production [4]. - Despite the asset sale, analysts from S&P Global anticipate that Lukoil's oil and gas output from overseas operations will continue to rise through the end of the decade [4].

Chevron And Exxon Top Earnings But Only One Supermajor Saw Profit Growth | Investor's Business DailyBREAKING: [Stocks Test Key Levels; U.S. Government Enters Shutdown]---Chevron (CVX) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) both reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue before Friday's stock market open. Exxon Mobil notched its first quarterly profit increase in more than a year and entered Friday's stock market trading around record highs. Exxon Mobil reported Friday that Q4 EPS increased 2.4% to $1.71, while revenue dec ...