The global oil market looks well-supplied at the end of the year, with output sufficient to absorb a supply disruption in Venezuela, the world’s biggest crude resource holder. The escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions in recent weeks, a tanker seizure, and further U.S. sanctions squeezes on Nicolas Maduro and his allies, including companies operating tankers, have cut Venezuela’s production to a seven-month low. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated Venezuela’s oil supply at 860,000 barrels per ...

Core Point - U.S. crude futures increased by over 1% following President Trump's directive for a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers associated with Venezuela [1] Group 1 - The U.S. government has implemented a total blockade on oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, which is expected to impact crude oil supply dynamics [1] - The blockade is part of broader sanctions aimed at restricting Venezuela's oil exports, which are crucial for its economy [1]

The TTM Squeeze is a powerful volatility indicator that identifies periods of low volatility and anticipates potential breakouts. However, it can also sometimes indicate periods of indecision and a lack of conviction. Pulling up today's results from Barchart's investing ideas page, TTM Squeeze Triggered, highlights exactly this mood in the market. This list represents squeeze candidates whose Bollinger Bands are compressed within their Keltner Bands. More News from Barchart The screen applied below fil ...

There are several key factors that are helping push oil prices down. You've got OPEC plus and its allies boosting production after years of making cuts. In the meantime, Trump is pushing for a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.Now, as a result of this or any other thing, the energy ETF XLE on track for its fourth negative day in a row. That may not sound like much, but that is actually the longest losing streak in three months. Let's talk about that oil stocks and maybe even Venezuela and bring ...

Market Overview - Wall Street showed mixed signals with nonfarm payrolls rising by 64,000 in November, exceeding expectations of 50,000, while the unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, the highest since September 2021 [1][2] - The Nasdaq 100 increased by 0.2% to 25,121, while the Dow Jones and S&P 500 experienced slight declines of 0.2% and 0.1% respectively [3][6] - Small-cap stocks underperformed, with the Russell 2000 dropping 0.6%, marking a third consecutive session of losses [3][6] Sector Performance - Energy stocks continued to decline, falling 2.2% on the day, lagging behind the broader market [5] - Oil prices fell to $55 per barrel, down 2.2%, reaching the lowest levels since January 2021, amid expectations of a potential resolution in the Ukraine war that could ease restrictions on Russian oil exports [4] - In commodities, gold remained stable at $4,300 per ounce, while silver decreased by 0.6% to $62 per ounce [5] Notable Stocks - Affirm Holdings Inc. saw a significant increase in shares, rising by 10.48% [8][9] - The top gainers in the Russell 1000 included Circle Internet Group Inc. (+9.07%), RH (+6.82%), and Cognex Corporation (+5.20%) [9] - Conversely, the top laggards included Corcept Therapeutics Inc. (-8.19%), Amkor Technology Inc. (-7.64%), and Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (-6.35%) [10]

Core Insights - Oil prices are experiencing significant volatility, with U.S. crude hitting its lowest level since May, indicating a potential surplus and geopolitical factors influencing the market [1][2][3] - The U.S. benchmark has declined approximately 22% this year, marking its worst performance since 2018, while the global benchmark has dropped nearly 20%, the worst since 2020 [2] - OPEC+ members have increased production rapidly after years of cuts, contributing to downward pressure on oil prices [3] Price Movements - West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was last trading at $55.61 per barrel, down 2.13%, while Brent crude was at $59.39, down 1.93% [2] - U.S. gasoline prices have fallen below $3 per gallon, reaching the lowest level in four years [2] Geopolitical Factors - The oil market has been under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the U.S. and European allies imposing sanctions on Russia's crude industry [4] - The potential for a peace agreement in Ukraine is influencing investor sentiment and pricing in lower geopolitical risks [3]

Core Viewpoint - Hemisphere Energy Corporation has approved grants of incentive restricted share units (RSUs) and stock options to enhance employee and director compensation and align their interests with shareholders [1]. Restricted Share Units - The Company has a Restricted Share Unit Plan that allows RSUs to be granted to directors, employees, and contractors, with the option to redeem them for cash or common shares [2]. - On December 12, 2025, Hemisphere awarded 930,000 incentive RSUs to its directors and officers, which will vest one-third annually over three years and expire on December 15, 2028 [3]. Stock Options - Hemisphere granted 48,000 incentive stock options to its investor relations service provider on December 15, 2025, with an exercise price of $2.01 per share, vesting quarterly over 12 months and expiring on December 15, 2030 [4]. Company Overview - Hemisphere Energy Corporation is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value-per-share growth through sustainable development of its high netback, ultra-low decline conventional heavy oil assets using polymer flood enhanced oil recovery methods [5].

The US oil benchmark fell to its lowest level since February 2021, with traders weighing renewed signs of optimism surrounding a deal to end the war in Ukraine and mixed economic data from China. West Texas Intermediate settled below $57 a barrel in thin trading ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, sliding as stocks wavered. US negotiators offered more substantial security guarantees to Kyiv in a renewed bid to clinch a deal, though the effort still appeared part of a bid to pressure Ukrainian Pr ...

Core Insights - Crude oil and gasoline prices are under pressure, with crude oil reaching a 1.75-month low and gasoline hitting a 4.75-year nearest-futures low due to concerns about global energy demand and weaker-than-expected economic indicators from China [2][3] Group 1: Economic Indicators - China's November industrial production growth eased to +4.8% year-on-year, down from +4.9% in October, and below expectations of +5.0% [3] - November retail sales in China increased by only +1.3% year-on-year, significantly lower than the expected +2.9% and marking the smallest growth in 2.75 years [3] Group 2: Geopolitical Factors - Optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict may lead to the lifting of sanctions on Russian energy exports, which would negatively impact oil prices [4] - Increased geopolitical risks in Venezuela, following the interception of a sanctioned oil tanker by US forces, may support crude prices as it complicates Venezuela's ability to export oil [6] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The decline in the S&P 500 to a 2-week low dampens economic outlook optimism, negatively affecting energy demand [2] - The crude crack spread fell to a 2.25-month low, discouraging refiners from purchasing crude oil for conversion into gasoline and distillates [4] - Crude oil stored on stationary tankers rose by +5.1% week-on-week to 120.23 million barrels as of December 12 [5]

Oil prices edged higher in early trading, though gains are capped by diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine and concerns of an oversupplied market.Brent crude was up 0.1% to $61.19 a barrel, while WTI rose 0.2% to $57.33 a barrel, supported by growing tensions between Washington and Venezuela and positive data on oil demand and refinery activity in China.Despite the uptick, both benchmarks continued to hold near their lowest level since late October. ...