Steve, joining us now, Christina Minis, Goldman Sachs global head of credit and asset uh finance. How's how's business. How how would you characterize it right now.Do we need a rate cut. I think things feel pretty good and I think we probably do need a rate cut. Both two things can be true at once.Yeah, I do. Liberation Day was there's some trepidation, but but overall third quarter's been better. It's been much better.And if you look at volumes in the credit markets since liberation day, they're up pretty ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has transformed its operations over the past five years, achieving an annual growth in cash flow and earnings of 8% to 10% at constant prices and margins [8][10] - The company plans to grow earnings by $20 billion and cash flow by $30 billion by the end of the decade [17] - The enterprise value of the company is approximately $500 billion, with a total shareholder return of 11% last year [16][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is organized into three segments: upstream (oil and gas), product solutions (upgrading oil and gas to higher value products), and low carbon solutions [11][12] - The upstream segment is expected to triple the capacity of its Guyana operations and increase Permian assets by 50% over the next five years [9][56] - The company has doubled its earnings per barrel in upstream production over the last five years [57] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for crude oil is at an all-time high, with expectations for continued growth despite economic concerns [42][44] - Natural gas prices in Europe have stabilized at around $12 to $13 per million BTU, following a spike due to supply disruptions [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain an 8% to 10% growth rate in earnings and cash flow through the end of the decade, focusing on high-return investment opportunities [10][17] - The strategy includes a strong emphasis on carbon capture and sequestration, positioning the company as a leader in low carbon solutions [13][78] - The company is not participating in renewable energy but is focused on technologies that align with its core capabilities [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is unrealistic and emphasizes the need for reliable and affordable energy [24][29] - The company anticipates that oil and gas will still represent 50% of the energy mix by 2050, despite efforts to reduce emissions [29] - The current regulatory environment is seen as inefficient, particularly regarding infrastructure permitting, which hampers operational efficiency [50][52] Other Important Information - The company has a consistent and growing dividend, having increased it for 42 consecutive years, and plans to repurchase $20 billion of stock this year [18][19] - The company has a strong balance sheet with a net debt to capital ratio of 7% and a double A credit rating [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the nature of your energy outlook? - Management distinguishes between normative and predictive outlooks, asserting that their energy outlook is realistic and affordable, predicting a 15% increase in energy demand by 2050 [22][24] Question: How do you view the current oil price cycle? - Management describes the current oil price cycle as normal, with prices influenced by sentiment and supply-demand dynamics, noting that prices have softened recently [41][46] Question: What are your thoughts on the regulatory environment? - Management criticizes the lengthy permitting process for infrastructure projects in the U.S., calling for a more efficient system to facilitate energy production [50][52] Question: Can you provide an update on the arbitration proceedings with Hess? - Management confirms that arbitration is ongoing and expects a decision within two to three months, emphasizing that operational relationships remain strong regardless of the outcome [62][65] Question: How does the company plan to manage future cash flows? - Management expresses confidence in generating significant free cash flow by 2030, with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning value to shareholders [97][98]