Oil ETFs Rally Amid Intensifying U.S.-Venezuela Tension

Core Insights - The maritime conflict between the United States and Venezuela has intensified, particularly following the U.S. seizure of the Skipper oil tanker, leading to increased oil prices and geopolitical risk premiums in the market [1][2][3] Oil Market Impact - Oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising 2.7% to over $62 per barrel due to U.S. military operations targeting Venezuelan oil tankers, which has added a geopolitical risk premium to oil prices [3][6] - The U.S. blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, estimated to affect 600,000 barrels per day, is expected to create supply disruptions, despite Venezuelan crude accounting for only about 1% of global supply [8][6] ETF Opportunities - The current geopolitical tensions present a strong catalyst for oil-focused Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), which are sensitive to supply-side shocks and have seen price increases in response to rising oil prices [4][5] - Specific ETFs to watch include: - ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil (UCO), which targets 2x daily returns of oil futures and has gained 4.3% since Dec. 19, 2025 [12] - ProShares K-1 Free Crude Oil ETF (OILK), which has gained 2.2% since Dec. 19, 2025 [13] - United States Brent Oil ETF (BNO), which has gained 2.4% since Dec. 19, 2025 [14] - Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE), which has gained 1% since Dec. 19, 2025 and has significant exposure to major U.S. oil companies [15][16] - State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), which has also risen 1% since Dec. 19, 2025 and focuses on companies in the oil and gas sector [17]