Core Viewpoint - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has experienced significant outperformance in early 2026, driven by a surge in crude oil prices, which has positively impacted its energy stock holdings [2][15]. Group 1: ETF Performance - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF has a current income yield of 3.5% over the last 12 months and has delivered robust returns historically [1]. - Despite a lackluster performance in the previous year with only a 0.4% return, the ETF surged nearly 15% in early 2026, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's less than 1% rise [2][5]. Group 2: Sector Exposure - The ETF tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, focusing on 100 top dividend stocks, with a high sector weighting in energy stocks at 19.9% as of the end of last year [4][5]. - The high exposure to energy stocks negatively impacted the ETF's returns last year due to falling oil prices [5]. Group 3: Oil Market Influence - Crude oil prices have rallied sharply in 2026, with Brent oil prices increasing by 15% to over $70 a barrel, influenced by potential supply disruptions in Venezuela and Iran [7]. - The rise in crude prices has benefited the ETF, particularly as two of its top holdings are major oil companies, Chevron and ConocoPhillips, which have seen significant stock price increases this year [8][15]. Group 4: Dividend Growth - Chevron has increased its dividend by 4%, marking 39 consecutive years of growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 6% over the last five years, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 5% [11]. - ConocoPhillips has a current dividend yield of 2.9% and increased its dividend by 8% late last year, aiming for dividend growth within the top 25% of S&P 500 companies [13][14]. - Both companies are expected to continue increasing their dividends, with Chevron projecting over 10% annualized growth in free cash flow through 2030 and ConocoPhillips anticipating an additional $7 billion in annual free cash flow by 2029 [14].

Why ExxonMobil could be the steady dividend powerhouse that protects your portfolio in the next downturn.ExxonMobil (XOM 2.58%) is proving that scale, discipline, and cash flow still matter. With $52 billion in operating cash flow, rising production from Guyana and Brazil, and 43 straight years of dividend growth, this energy titan may offer stability amid volatile markets. The upside may not be explosive, but the durability could be powerful.Stock prices used were the market prices of Feb. 13, 2026. The vi ...

Core Viewpoint - The oil market is experiencing an unexpected price rally despite predictions of deep oversupply in 2026, driven by geopolitical shocks and stronger-than-expected demand [2][3]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Analysts had anticipated a significant oversupply of approximately 3.7 million barrels per day (bpd) in the oil market as of January 2026, which was described as an "extraordinary oversupply" by Macquarie analysts [3]. - Oil prices have increased, with Brent crude futures rising about 15% and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures up 14% since the beginning of the year [3]. Geopolitical Factors - Sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department on major Russian oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, have removed around 600,000 bpd from the market [6]. - Exports from the CPC pipeline have decreased by approximately 440,000 bpd, reaching the lowest levels in seven years due to drone strikes at the Black Sea-side terminal [6]. - The potential for military action by the US against Iran has heightened concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for about 20 million bpd of petroleum products [7]. Market Reactions - Despite expectations of declining global demand for hydrocarbons as the world shifts towards electrification and green energy, oil prices have risen due to unexpected supply constraints and increased demand forecasts [5][4].

Photographer: Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images The oil market is in the middle of its strongest start to a year since 2022 as supply shocks and sanctions confound expectations of a glut. Now traders are racing to cover themselves against the prospect of the US bombing Iran again. Most Read from Bloomberg A surge in activity across futures and options markets is already pulling up crude prices — Brent futures touched a seven-month high of more than $72 a barrel on Friday, and some analysts see a risk prem ...

Market Overview - The market has been fluctuating around a multi-month high of $66.27, which is expected to be a key pivot point in the near term [1] - A sustained move above $66.27 indicates buyer presence, with a potential test of higher resistance levels at $68.11 to $69.37 if Friday's high of $67.03 is surpassed [2] Price Dynamics - The market could experience a downturn if it falls below $66.27, potentially leading to a drop towards the support line at $64.41 [3] - A late-session short-covering rally in Brent crude oil contributed to a rise in WTI futures, which were initially set to close lower [4] Supply and Demand Factors - Oil prices received support from reports of declining U.S. crude inventories, with a reported drop of 9 million barrels in stockpiles [5] - Despite the support from falling inventories, concerns about a supply glut persist, especially with OPEC+ considering output increases from April [6]

Core Viewpoint - ExxonMobil has a strong history of increasing its annual dividend payouts, having done so for 43 consecutive years, positioning itself as a reliable option for passive income investors [1] Group 1: Dividend and Investment Appeal - The current dividend yield of ExxonMobil is 2.7%, meaning an investment of $10,000 would yield $273 in annual dividends [2] - The company is well-positioned to continue delivering dividends due to its efficient operations and strategic investments [9] Group 2: Business Operations and Efficiency - ExxonMobil operates an integrated business model that includes both upstream (exploration and drilling) and downstream (refining and production of fuels and petrochemicals) operations [3] - The company is shifting its portfolio towards advantaged assets, which are expected to make up 65% of its upstream production by 2030, up from 59% in 2025 [4] - ExxonMobil employs advanced technology, such as cube development in the Permian Basin, to enhance recovery and efficiency, with plans to increase the use of proprietary proppant technology from 25% to 50% of its wells by late 2026 [6] Group 3: Production and Future Outlook - Production in the Permian Basin reached a record of 1.6 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, with projections to exceed 2.5 million by 2030 due to improved drilling productivity and recovery efficiency [8] - The company has achieved $15.1 billion in cumulative structural cost savings since 2019, allowing it to maintain lower costs and higher returns compared to competitors [7]

Core Viewpoint - TechnipFMC (NYSE:FTI) is a significant player in the energy sector, focusing on subsea, onshore, offshore, and surface projects, providing technology-driven solutions to the oil and gas industry [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - FTI's stock price has recently increased by 1.23%, reaching $62.52, with a daily low of $61.22 and a high of $62.94, which is also its highest price over the past year [3] - The stock's price range over the past year has shown a low of $22.12 and a recent high of $62.94, indicating substantial growth potential [5] - The stock's market capitalization is approximately $25.7 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the market [4] Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Investor Interest - Cowen & Co. maintains a "Buy" rating for FTI, with a price target increase from $56 to $69 [1][6] - FTI's Momentum Style Score of B suggests strong potential for continued upward price movement, attracting momentum investors [2][6] - The trading volume of 3,667,004 shares on the NYSE indicates strong investor interest and liquidity, supporting the momentum investing approach [4]

Core Insights - The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down tariffs imposed by President Trump may lower costs for some U.S. oil producers and drillers, but overall energy flows are expected to remain unchanged for now [1] Cost Implications - The ruling could reduce the costs associated with building LNG plants and other large-scale energy infrastructure that rely on imported components affected by tariffs [1] - Companies like Premium Oilfield Technologies anticipate a decrease in tariff taxes, potentially freeing up cash flow for R&D, employee raises, and returns to investors [1][1] - The decision may help companies better budget and understand drilling costs, as noted by executives in the industry [1] Tariff Dynamics - The Supreme Court's ruling does not eliminate the 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum, leading to concerns that the administration may implement alternative tariff strategies [1] - Trump has suggested the possibility of imposing a 10% global tariff for 150 days, indicating ongoing uncertainty in tariff policies [1] LNG Trade Outlook - Despite the potential cost reductions, it is unlikely that China will increase its imports of U.S. LNG due to economic factors and strategic considerations [1] - Analysts suggest that China may continue to leverage its LNG market strategically, opting for arbitrage opportunities rather than increasing U.S. LNG purchases [1][1] - The lack of agreed LNG purchases between the U.S. and China further complicates the outlook for U.S.-China energy trade dynamics [1]

March WTI crude oil (CLH26) on Friday closed down -0.04 (-0.06%), and March RBOB gasoline (RBH26) closed down -0.0093 (-0.46%). Crude oil and gasoline prices settled lower on Friday amid concerns about energy demand after the US Q4 GDP grew at a slower-than-expected pace.  However, losses in crude were limited due to a weaker dollar and geopolitical risks in the Middle East. More News from Barchart Friday's weaker-than-expected US economic news was bearish for energy demand and crude prices.  Q4 GDP ro ...

Core Insights - Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) is a significant entity in the oil and gas sector, known for its exploration, production, and chemical manufacturing operations, competing with major companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron [1] Financial Performance - The stock price of Occidental has recently increased by 9%, reaching $51.51, driven by a strong earnings report with an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.31, exceeding the forecasted range of $0.18 to $0.19 [2][6] - Despite the positive earnings, the company's revenue was $5.42 billion, falling short of the expected $5.88 billion [4][6] Debt Management - Occidental has successfully reduced its corporate debt to $15 billion, primarily through the sale of OxyChem, which allowed the company to retire nearly $14 billion in debt over a span of 20 months [3][6] Production and Dividends - The company has increased its oil production and raised its dividend yield by 8% to $0.26, which may appeal to income-focused investors [4][6] Market Position - As of the latest trading, OXY is priced at $51.74, with a market capitalization of approximately $50.97 billion and a trading volume of 4,601,549 shares, indicating its significant presence in the energy sector [5]