The geopolitical hits keep coming, but where do things flow from here? That was the million-barrel question that markets began to reckon with on Monday. As you may have detected by the relentless push notifications on your lock screen this weekend, the United States captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday and brought him stateside to face drug-trafficking charges. President Trump said US energy companies will be invited to revitalize the country’s struggling energy industry, rich in reserves ...

Group 1: Market Impact - Analysts believe that the recent geopolitical event involving Venezuela is unlikely to significantly impact energy markets in the short term, as the market had already priced in potential disruptions to oil exports [1][3] - Venezuela, a founding OPEC member, currently produces less than 1 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for less than 1% of global oil production, with exports around 500,000 barrels [2][3] - Despite the geopolitical tensions, Brent crude prices are expected to rise only slightly, by about $1 to $2, and may even decline next week from the previous close of $60.75 [3][4] Group 2: Future Production Potential - Analysts suggest that if a new government in Venezuela leads to lifted sanctions and the return of foreign investment, oil exports could potentially reach 3 million barrels per day in the medium term [5] - The overthrow of the Maduro regime may eventually boost oil production in Venezuela, which could have a bearish impact on the market [4][5] Group 3: Investment Considerations - U.S. oil companies are currently hesitant to invest in Venezuela due to uncertainties regarding the interim and future governments, despite President Trump's statement about potential investments [6][7] - The historical context of U.S. oil companies being expropriated in the early 2000s adds complexity to the investment landscape, although accessing Venezuela's oil reserves remains attractive if sanctions are lifted [8] - Long-term investment in Venezuela's oil sector would require billions of dollars and decades of commitment, raising questions about global oil demand and the viability of such investments [9][10]

US stocks sputtered Wednesday as Wall Street prepared to wrap up an eventful, roller-coaster trading year with sizable gains. The blue chip-heavy Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI), S&P 500 (^GSPC), and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) all lost around 0.4%, with the major indexes eyeing their fourth consecutive day of losses. Those losses have dimmed hopes for a so-called "Santa Claus rally." But at least on Wednesday, Wall Street is ready to celebrate its gains in 2025. The benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC ...

AvigatorPhotographer / iStock via Getty Images This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) closed down 0.2% on Tuesday, its third straight day of losses, after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported fewer job losses for October, and more jobs gained in November -- but unemployment and underemployment both on the rise. As Wednesday dawns, however, the market seems poised for a turnaround and is up 0.3% premarket ...

MSCI’s regional equities gauge dropped 0.1%, extending its losses to a third consecutive day. That’s after the S&P 500 also fell for a third day Tuesday, while the Nasdaq 100 added 0.3%. Tesla Inc. shares declined about 1% in extended trading after the company’s sales in California were poised to be suspended for 30 days.Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose more than 1% after President Donald Trump said he was ordering a “total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers” going into an ...

The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) slipped 0.24% to 6,800.26, the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) edged up 0.23% to 23,111.46, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDEX:^DJI) fell 0.62% to 48,114.27 as mixed jobs data and cheaper oil pressured cyclicals. Market movers Energy names lagged today, with APA (NASDAQ:APA), Diamondback Energy (NASDAQ:FANG), and Dow component Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) sliding as crude hit multi‑year lows. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP) dropped after weak auto-related retail data an ...

Market Trends - Brent crude oil prices fell below $60 per barrel, the lowest since May [1] - Oversupply is impacting global oil markets [1] Geopolitical Factors - Investor optimism is growing due to progressing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine [1]

West Texas Intermediate oil fell below $55 a barrel for the first time since February 2021 on signs that supply is outpacing demand, while progress in Ukraine peace talks could lead to a deal that may allow more Russian oil to flow onto global markets. US crude futures pared some losses, settling down 2.7% to $55.27. Brent, the global benchmark, fell 2.7% to settle at $58.92. Most Read from Bloomberg Signs of weakness are proliferating across the supply side of the oil market, with Middle Eastern crude ...

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]

Oil prices rose after the International Energy Agency cut its forecasts, but CIMB Securities said prices remain volatile, with Brent crude oil hovering in a range of $60 a barrel-$65 a barrel and weekly 4%-7% price swings that continue to signal heightened uncertainty. ...