As the technology sector stumbled in early 2026, American and international oil giants emerged as market leaders, helping keep the S&P 500 roughly flat year-to-date (YTD).S&P 500 stock market index YTD chart. Source: GoogleSpecifically, while the index itself is down 0.22% and big tech firms such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) fell 16% and 2% YTD, firms like Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY) are flying high, having gained 20% and 13%.CVX and OXY stock YTD price ...

Oil prices rose more than 2% on Wednesday, after Vice President JD Vance said Iran did not address U.S. red lines in nuclear talks this week and President Donald Trump reserves the right to use military force.U.S. crude oil rose $1.56, or 2.5%, to $63.89 per barrel. Global benchmark Brent was up $1.61, or 2.4%, to $69.04 per barrel. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Tuesday. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the discussions as "constructive, ...

Key TakeawaysJapan's Trade Ministry detailed $36 billion in joint US investment projects, led by a massive $33.3 billion gas-fired power initiative and $2.1 billion in crude oil.The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) dropped 0.76% to $0.6004 after RBNZ Governor Anna Breman confirmed the central bank will continue shrinking its balance sheet.President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Donald Trump’s peace demands as "not fair," rejecting pressure to cede territory while Washington pushes for a rapid resolution.Chinese and ...

Core Viewpoint - The Czech Republic is offering limited oil volumes to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline due to halted westward flows from Ukraine following a pipeline attack, with potential for larger volumes in the future contingent on technical adjustments [1]. Group 1: Oil Supply Dynamics - The Czech Republic has ceased using Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline since last year after expanding alternative routes [1]. - A "certain small amount" of oil can be delivered to Slovakia immediately, while larger volumes would require technical adjustments discussed with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico [1]. - Slovakia and Hungary have continued purchasing Russian energy despite the ongoing conflict, but oil flows through Ukraine have been suspended since January 27 due to a Russian attack on the pipeline infrastructure [1]. Group 2: Regional Energy Cooperation - Slovakia and Hungary have requested Croatia to facilitate the shipment of Russian seaborne oil via its port and pipeline, which has been used to a limited extent for alternative supplies [1]. - Croatia has indicated it could increase deliveries but has specified that it should not involve Russian oil [1].

Cameco-branded aerial view of a uranium mining and processing site, highlighting nuclear energy sector momentum. Key Points As investors continue to rotate out of tech, energy continues to dominate in early 2026 with a 21% YTD gain. While fossil fuels have recovered, nuclear energy is also fueling the rally as demand is forecast to double by 2040. After gaining 135% over the past year, analysts remain bullish on Cameco, with the stock receiving a consensus Buy rating. Interested in Cameco Corporation? ...

March WTI crude oil (CLH26) today is down -0.62 (-0.99%), and March RBOB gasoline (RBH26) is down -0.0027 (-0.14%). Crude oil and gasoline prices gave up an early advance today and turned lower, with crude falling to a 2-week low.  Today's rally in the dollar index ($DXY) to a 1-week high is bearish for energy prices.  Losses in crude accelerated today after Iran said it has reached a "general agreement" with the US on a nuclear deal. More News from Barchart Geopolitical risks between the US and Iran e ...

Core Insights - Iran has partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, citing "security precautions" during military drills by the Revolutionary Guards, amidst ongoing U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz - This marks the first closure of parts of the Strait of Hormuz since January when U.S. President Trump threatened military action against Tehran [2] - The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway, recognized as one of the world's most important oil chokepoints, linking Middle Eastern crude producers to global markets [2] Group 2: Oil Transit and Market Impact - In 2025, approximately 13 million barrels per day of crude oil transited the Strait, accounting for about 31% of global seaborne crude flows [3] - The temporary closure aims to ensure shipping safety as part of the Revolutionary Guards' military exercise, which is intended to enhance operational readiness and deterrence [3] Group 3: Market Reactions - Energy market participants are closely monitoring the U.S.-Iran talks, with both sides increasing military presence in the region [4] - Oil prices have seen slight increases, with Brent crude futures rising 0.1% to $68.71 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures up 1.4% to $63.82 [4]

Group 1 - The U.S. has two naval fleets positioned near Iran, raising concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for approximately 20% of global oil consumption, contributing to the ongoing war premium in the oil market [2][5] - Recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicated an unexpected build of 8.5 million barrels in oil stockpiles, significantly higher than the forecast of 793,000 barrels, highlighting the persistent oversupply in the oil market [4] - The International Energy Agency (IEA) downgraded its forecast for global oil demand growth for 2026, which negatively impacted market sentiment and reduced some of the war premium, although it did not eliminate it entirely [5] Group 2 - The outlook for the oil market suggests a range-bound trading environment unless significant news alters the current dynamics, with ongoing concerns about oversupply likely to exert downward pressure [6] - If U.S.-Iran negotiations fail, fears of supply disruptions could resurface, potentially leading to military action by the U.S. navy in the Strait of Hormuz, which would shift market focus back to geopolitical risks [6]

Group 1: AI Growth Constraints - A significant gray swan scenario is the potential failure of AI to scale due to hard constraints such as chip shortages, power grid limits, and regulatory backlash [2][3] - The energy consumption of advanced AI models could lead to severe consequences if demand exceeds grid capacity, potentially resulting in political backlash and environmental scrutiny [3][4] - In Virginia, data centers, which account for over 20% of sales, could see energy demand double by 2040, indicating public resistance to AI growth [4][5] Group 2: Sovereign Bond Market Stress - Rising fiscal debt and heavier bond supplies have been monitored, with a potential for a buyer strike in developed sovereign markets [7][8] - France is identified as a likely candidate for a bond shock due to high deficits, low growth, and political crises, which could lead to a sudden buyer strike affecting other European sovereign bonds [9][10] Group 3: Oil Price Volatility - Oil prices declined by 18% last year, marking the steepest decline in five years, currently priced around $65 per barrel, with a modest outlook due to weak demand and spare capacity [11][12] - A potential gray swan scenario includes a significant increase in oil prices driven by geopolitical disruptions or shifts in demand from India and China [13][14] Group 4: Positive Economic Outlook from China - A favorable gray swan scenario involves China implementing a demand-driven pivot to empower consumers, which could include stimulus measures and supportive property laws [16][17] - Such policies could boost traditional and new sectors, attract foreign investments, and positively impact regional currencies and commodity demand across Asia [18]

Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv Oil drifts ahead of US-Iran nuclear talks SINGAPORE, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Oil prices traded sideways on Monday ahead of talks between Washington and Tehran, with concerns about Iran-U.S. tensions disrupting oil flows keeping a floor under prices, while OPEC+ leans in favour of resuming output hikes from April. Brent crude futures edged down 3 cents to $67.72 a barrel by 0156 GMT after closing 23 ...