Core Viewpoint - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a favored investment option for retirees, focusing on dividend-paying U.S. stocks with strong financial metrics and a history of consistent dividend payments [1]. Dividend Yield and Top Holdings - SCHD currently offers a yield of 3.9%, surpassing most other stocks and the S&P 500 [2]. - The top five holdings contributing to this yield include: - Merck (MRK): 4.71% yield, contributing 3.51% to ETF yield - Cisco Systems (CSCO): 4.67% yield, contributing 2.06% to ETF yield - Amgen (AMGN): 4.54% yield, contributing 3.03% to ETF yield - Bristol Myers (BMY): 4.24% yield, contributing 4.9% to ETF yield - AbbVie (ABBV): 4.22% yield, contributing 3.1% to ETF yield [2]. Dividend Safety Analysis - The dividend safety varies among the top holdings, with Merck showing a conservative payout ratio of 43% and a history of uninterrupted payments for over 26 years [4]. - Cisco's payout ratio is 63%, while Amgen's is 73% and Bristol-Myers is 85%, indicating increasing risk as the payout ratios rise [5]. - AbbVie presents the highest concern with a 501% payout ratio based on trailing earnings, but its operating cash flow of $18.8 billion in 2024 allows for a more manageable 58.6% cash flow payout ratio [6][7].

VCG/VCG via Getty Images Trafigura thinks the oil market could see a "super glut" of crude next year. The commodities firm pointed to new supply hitting the market while demand remains lackluster. Oil prices have already stumbled in 2025 amid waning global demand and increased output. The long-predicted "super glut" of oil is expected to hit energy markets in 2026. Trafigura, one of the world's biggest commodities trading firms, said it believes the oil market will see a flood of new supply at a t ...

This marks a remarkable turnaround from the situation in the early aftermath of Russia’s 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It was obvious to the U.S. and Great Britain that Moscow’s ability to fight the war over the long term would depend on its ability to finance it, and that a key source of this was revenue from Europe’s imports of gas and oil. Moreover, Washington and London believed that the E.U.’s unwillingness to impose meaningful sanctions on Russia when it invaded independent sovereign country G ...

Core Points - The corporate plan update is being presented by ExxonMobil, with key executives participating in the call [1][2] - The presentation includes forward-looking comments and encourages stakeholders to review cautionary statements regarding risks and uncertainties [2] Group 1 - The call is led by Jim Chapman, who is the Vice President, Treasurer, and Investor Relations of ExxonMobil [1] - Key executives present include Darren Woods (Chairman and CEO), Kathy Mikells (CFO), Neil Chapman, and Jack Williams [1] - The full presentation and additional materials are available on the Investors section of ExxonMobil's website [1] Group 2 - The session will include opening remarks from Darren Woods followed by a question-and-answer segment [2] - Stakeholders are advised to refer to the SEC filings for more information on risks associated with forward-looking statements [2] - Supplemental information is provided in the appendix of the presentation slides [2]

Core Viewpoint - GeoPark Limited has publicly commented on Parex Resources Inc.'s decision to halt discussions regarding a potential acquisition, emphasizing that the initial offer of $9.00 per share significantly undervalues the company and its recent asset enhancements [1][2][4]. Background and Engagement with Parex - On October 29, 2025, GeoPark's Board unanimously rejected Parex's unsolicited proposal to acquire the company for $9.00 per share, which was deemed to undervalue GeoPark, especially following its transformative transaction in Vaca Muerta [2][4]. - A Special Committee was formed to evaluate any potential revised offers from Parex and to explore other value-maximizing alternatives, with access granted to extensive technical and financial information [3][4]. Reserves and Growth Potential - GeoPark's 2025 reserves report indicates a 38% year-over-year increase in total 2P reserves to 121 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), with reserve replacement ratios exceeding 100% [4]. - The company reported a 48% increase in 2P reserves compared to the 82 mmboe available at the time of Parex's original offer, highlighting significant growth potential [4]. - Additional risked reserves of approximately 18 mmboe are pending certification, further enhancing GeoPark's production outlook [4]. Strategic Outlook - GeoPark anticipates that Adjusted EBITDA will more than double by 2028, supported by increased cash flow and a diversified asset base [8]. - The company remains open to considering offers that appropriately value its assets, while focusing on operational strengths and financial discipline [8]. Engagement with Parex - Parex expressed interest primarily in GeoPark's Colombian assets, citing limited familiarity with unconventional resource development in Argentina, which may affect the valuation in any revised proposal [5]. - Following Parex's indication that it would not increase its offer, GeoPark's Board opened direct communication with Parex to encourage reconsideration of the original proposal [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Dorchester Minerals, L.P. announces the retirement of Mr. William Casey McManemin from the Board of Managers, effective December 31, 2025, after over 19 years as CEO and 37 years of dedication to the organization [1][2]. Leadership Transition - Mr. Bradley Ehrman, the current CEO, emphasized Mr. McManemin's significant contributions and leadership in shaping Dorchester Minerals, highlighting his vision and integrity [3]. - Mr. Robert C. Vaughn, a current board member and co-founder, has been appointed as Interim Chairman, bringing extensive knowledge of the Partnership's history and assets [4]. - Mr. Albert G. Nance III will join the Board of Managers effective January 1, 2026, bringing over 38 years of oil and gas experience [4]. Company Overview - Dorchester Minerals, L.P. is based in Dallas and owns producing and non-producing oil and natural gas mineral interests across 28 states, with its common units trading on NASDAQ under the symbol DMLP [5].

DALLAS, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dorchester Minerals, L.P. (the “Partnership”) (NASDAQ-DMLP) announces the retirement of Mr. William Casey McManemin from the Board of Managers of Dorchester Minerals Management GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership’s general partner (the “Board”), effective December 31, 2025. Mr. McManemin previously led the Partnership as Chief Executive Officer for over 19 years and has been a member and Chairman of the Board since the Partnership’s inception in 2003. As ...

Market Overview - Major stock indices are experiencing little movement, with the Dow down 0.2%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are slightly higher. The Russell 2000 is near all-time highs [2] - Bitcoin has seen a significant increase, up over 4% and hovering around $94,000 per token [2] - Strategists are cautious about chasing rallies due to expectations of a hawkish cut from the Fed, with a potential 25 basis point cut but indications of a pause in January [3] Precious Metals - Silver futures have reached an all-time high of over $61 per ounce, marking a 100% increase year-to-date [5] - Gold is also performing well, up approximately 60% year-to-date, with Wall Street expecting further gains next year, forecasting $4,500 by mid-2026 and a bull case of $5,000 [5] Federal Reserve Insights - The Fed is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points, but there may be dissent among members regarding the pace of future cuts, with predictions of 2 to 5 dissents [21][22] - The Fed's decision is influenced by the current job market and inflation concerns, with some members advocating for a more cautious approach [22][24] Investment Strategies - In a late-cycle environment, sectors such as big tech, telecom, and industrials are expected to continue leading, while defensive sectors like staples and healthcare may gain traction if a meaningful inflection point occurs [18] - Utilities are noted for their dual role in both offensive and defensive strategies, particularly due to their performance in the AI transformation theme [20] Corporate Developments - Warner Brothers Discovery is involved in a significant bidding war, with Paramount Sky Dance making a hostile takeover bid of $108 billion against Netflix's $87 billion offer [30] - Analysts suggest that Paramount's all-cash offer may be more appealing and could face fewer regulatory hurdles compared to Netflix's bid [32][39] Housing Market Dynamics - Home Depot's preliminary outlook for 2026 anticipates flat to 2% sales growth, contingent on improvements in the housing market [100] - Elevated mortgage rates are stifling housing turnover, with 80% of outstanding mortgages below the current 30-year fixed rate of approximately 6.3% [104][105]

Core Viewpoint - Oil prices have stabilized after a significant drop, with traders awaiting upcoming reports to evaluate the oversupply situation in the market [1] Group 1: Market Analysis - Brent crude is trading above $62 per barrel after a 2% decline on Monday [1] - The Energy Information Administration will release its Short-Term Energy Outlook, with additional reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and OPEC expected later this week [1] - The IEA forecasts a record surplus of oil for the next year, indicating an increase in oil volumes being transported [1] Group 2: Price Dynamics - Prices for refined fuels have decreased recently, which has contributed to the softening of crude oil prices [1] - Despite the recent fluctuations, Brent crude has remained within a tight range of $4 per barrel since the beginning of November [1] Group 3: Expert Insights - Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB, noted that the current surplus of oil at sea will eventually lead to increased onshore stocks, making the oversupply more apparent [2] - He also mentioned that US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil have prevented Brent crude prices from declining more sharply [2]

Group 1: Market Trends - Crude oil and gasoline prices continued to decline, with crude reaching a 1.5-week low and gasoline a 2-week low due to a stronger dollar and concerns over a global oil glut [2][3] - The crude crack spread fell to a 6-week low, discouraging refiners from purchasing crude oil for conversion into gasoline and distillates [3] Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Trafigura indicated that the global oil market is heading towards a "super glut" next year due to new supply outpacing sluggish energy demand [3] - Saudi Aramco cut the price of its Arab Light crude oil for Asian customers by 30 cents per barrel for January delivery, marking the lowest price since January 2021, reflecting weakened energy demand [4] Group 3: Geopolitical Factors - Geopolitical risks are providing some support to crude prices, with threats from Russian President Putin regarding attacks on ships aiding Ukraine and recent drone attacks on Russian tankers in the Black Sea [5] - Reduced crude exports from Russia are also supporting prices, with shipments falling to 1.7 million barrels per day in early November, the lowest in over three years, due to Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and new sanctions from the US and EU [6]