Why Occidental Petroleum and Other Oil Companies Rallied Today

Group 1 - Occidental Petroleum shares increased by 5% as oil prices rose due to developments in the Russia-Ukraine war affecting Russian oil supply [1] - Oil prices rose by 2% amid concerns over Russian oil supply, with Ukraine increasing drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, leading to a reduction in Russian oil refining below five million barrels per day, the lowest since April 2022 [2] - Prior to the recent rise, oil prices had fallen 9% this year to the $60 range, significantly lower than the $139 peak in 2022, but increased Ukrainian aggression against Russian oil assets could change the pricing dynamic [3] Group 2 - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut the federal funds rate, which could stimulate economic activity and increase oil demand [4] - Warren Buffett has allocated over 11% of his stock portfolio to Chevron and Occidental, viewing them as hedges against geopolitical risks due to their large inventory bases in the U.S. and friendly countries [6][7] - The increased aggressiveness of Ukraine in targeting Russian oil and refining assets has contributed to rising oil prices, benefiting Occidental and other U.S.-based oil companies [8]