Core Viewpoint - Freedom Capital Markets downgraded Chevron from Hold to Sell, setting a price target of $165, with shares declining over 3% intraday following the announcement [1]. Industry Summary - The recent rally in U.S. oil and gas equities has occurred despite a deteriorating fundamental backdrop, with declining oil prices and an oversupplied market being overlooked by investors, creating heightened risk [2]. - Optimism in the sector, partly due to U.S. operations in Venezuela, is considered misplaced, as a global oil surplus is expected to persist at least through the first half of 2026, continuing to pressure hydrocarbon prices [3]. - The downgrade reflects a 9% quarter-over-quarter decline in average WTI crude prices during Q4 2025, along with lower refined product prices, indicating weak fourth-quarter results and potential pressure on U.S. oil and gas stock prices during the upcoming earnings season [4].

February WTI crude oil (CLG26) on Tuesday closed down -1.19 (-2.04%), and February RBOB gasoline (RBG26) closed down -0.0194 (-1.13%). Crude oil and gasoline prices gave up an early advance on Tuesday and sold off sharply as the dollar strengthened.  Crude prices also retreated amid concerns about energy demand, after Saudi Arabia cut the price of its Arab Light crude for February delivery to customers for a third month. More News from Barchart Weakness in the crude crack spread is negative for oil p ...

February WTI crude oil (CLG26) today is up +0.88 (+1.54%), and February RBOB gasoline (RBG26) is up +0.0192 (+1.13%). Crude oil and gasoline prices recovered from early losses today and are sharply higher after OPEC+ on Sunday stuck with its plans to pause an increase in the group's oil production in Q1.   Also, rising geopolitical risks in Russia, the Middle East, Nigeria, and Venezuela are supporting crude prices.  Crude prices added to their gains today after the dollar index (DXY00) fell from a 3-week ...

Group 1 - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) stock experienced a significant increase on Monday morning following the news of Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. armed forces [1] - Despite the rise in Exxon Mobil's stock, WTI crude oil prices remained relatively unchanged [1] Group 2 - The article highlights the impact of geopolitical events on stock performance, particularly in the energy sector [1]

February WTI crude oil (CLG26) today is up +0.23 (+0.40%), and February RBOB gasoline (RBG26) is up +0.0126 (+0.73%). Crude oil prices added to Monday's sharp gains today as global geopolitical risks from Venezuela, Nigeria, and Russia persist.  Also, expectations that OPEC+ will stick with plans to pause further crude production increases are supportive for crude prices.  Gains in crude are limited after the dollar index (DXY00) climbed to a 1-week high today.  Also, Monday evening's release of the weekl ...

Core Insights - The oil market is experiencing a slowdown due to weaker growth in key regions and falling prices, with the Permian Basin's dominance no longer sufficient for national expansion [1] - A supply-demand imbalance is expected to cap oil prices, with WTI crude projected to average $51 per barrel in 2026 amid rising global inventories [2] - U.S. oil firms are shifting focus from output expansion to capital discipline and shareholder returns, influenced by lower prices and soft global demand growth [3] - The current market setup is fragile, with risks of worsening oversupply and potential future shortages due to sustained underinvestment [4] Group 1 - The slowdown in the oil market is attributed to weaker growth in key regions and falling prices, with infrastructure limits and tighter capital discipline affecting new investments [1] - Older basins like Eagle Ford and Bakken are declining due to reduced drilling activity and natural depletion, while offshore gains remain modest [1] Group 2 - The EIA forecasts that WTI crude oil will average $51 per barrel in 2026, reflecting a surplus environment with global inventories exceeding the five-year average [2] - Producers are facing tighter margins and falling cash flows as supply grows faster than demand, leading to a cautious investment climate [2][3] Group 3 - U.S. oil firms are prioritizing capital discipline and shareholder returns over output expansion, as lower prices discourage investment in higher-cost regions [3] - Global demand growth remains soft, with efficiency gains and reduced transportation fuel usage dampening the outlook [3] Group 4 - The oil market is under pressure from rising inventories, flat U.S. production, and cautious spending behavior across the industry, creating a fragile market setup [4] - Lack of coordination among producers could exacerbate oversupply, while sustained underinvestment raises the risk of future shortages [4]

January WTI crude oil (CLF26) on Thursday closed up +0.21 (+0.38%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) closed up +0.0070 (+0.41%). Crude oil and gasoline prices settled higher on Thursday amid heightened geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Russia.  Also, Thursday's sharp rally in stocks boosted optimism about the economic outlook, which is supportive of energy demand.  Gains in crude were limited due to a stronger dollar and a bearish global supply outlook. More News from Barchart Escalation of global g ...

January WTI crude oil (CLF26) on Wednesday closed up +0.67 (+1.21%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) closed up +0.0134 (+0.80%). Crude oil and gasoline prices rose on Wednesday amid heightened geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Russia.  President Trump ordered a blockade of sanctioned tankers off Venezuela, and the US is preparing new sanctions on Russian energy exports if Russia rejects a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.  Crude prices fell back from their best level on Wednesday after weekly EIA ...

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 ...

This week's market focus will be on US economic news. On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to fall -11,000 to 225,000. Also, Nov CPI is expected to be +3.1% y/y, and Nov core CPI is expected to be +3.0% y/y. On Friday, Nov existing home sales are expected to be up +1.2% m/m to 4.15 million. Also, the University of Michigan Dec consumer sentiment index is expected to be revised upward by +0.2 to 53.5 from the previously reported 53.3.US MBA weekly mortgage applications fell -3.8% in t ...