Energy Stocks Surge Driven by U.S. Policy and AI Fatigue
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 19 hours ago
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Energy Stock Surge: As of February 11, 2026, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has risen 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's less than 2% increase, indicating strong investor confidence in the energy sector.
- Impact of U.S. Policy: Following the U.S. military's detention of Venezuelan President Maduro on January 3, investors believe that major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil may gain special access to Venezuela's 19.4 billion barrels of oil reserves, potentially driving oil prices higher and enhancing their market positions.
- Escalating Geopolitical Risks: With rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly the deployment of a carrier group in the region, the market anticipates that any conflict could lead to a temporary spike in global oil prices, further stimulating energy stock performance.
- Shift to Energy Investments: Amidst fatigue in AI-related stocks, some investors are reallocating funds to energy stocks, viewing them as a more reliable long-term investment, although experts caution that restoring Venezuela's oil sector will require years and substantial capital.
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Analyst Views on XOM
Wall Street analysts forecast XOM stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 149.930
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 149.930
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
About XOM
Exxon Mobil Corporation is an energy provider and chemical manufacturer. The Company’s principal business involves exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas; the manufacture, trade, transport and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and a wide variety of specialty products; and pursuit of lower-emission and other new business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, Proxxima systems, carbon materials, and lithium. Its Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. The Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments manufacture and sell petroleum products and petrochemicals. Energy Products segment includes fuels, aromatics, and catalysts and licensing. Chemical Products segment consists of olefins, polyolefins, and intermediates. Specialty Products segment includes finished lubricants, basestocks and waxes, synthetics, and elastomers and resins.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Energy Stocks Unexpectedly Surge, Market Outlook Optimistic
- Oil Price Recovery: As of February 2026, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices have rebounded to $57 per barrel, down $15 from early 2025, indicating renewed investor interest in energy stocks amidst a backdrop of previously declining oil prices.
- Energy Sector Leadership: The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has surged 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 2% increase, reflecting a resurgence of investor confidence in the energy sector and suggesting potential future investment opportunities.
- Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy: U.S. military actions in Venezuela have sparked optimistic expectations for major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, which may gain access to the world's largest oil reserves, further driving their stock prices higher.
- Shift in Investor Sentiment: As interest in AI-related stocks wanes, investors are turning to energy stocks as a reliable long-term investment choice, although the market must remain cautious of potential geopolitical risks.
See More
Energy Stocks Surge Driven by U.S. Policy and AI Fatigue
- Energy Stock Surge: As of February 11, 2026, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has risen 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's less than 2% increase, indicating strong investor confidence in the energy sector.
- Impact of U.S. Policy: Following the U.S. military's detention of Venezuelan President Maduro on January 3, investors believe that major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil may gain special access to Venezuela's 19.4 billion barrels of oil reserves, potentially driving oil prices higher and enhancing their market positions.
- Escalating Geopolitical Risks: With rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly the deployment of a carrier group in the region, the market anticipates that any conflict could lead to a temporary spike in global oil prices, further stimulating energy stock performance.
- Shift to Energy Investments: Amidst fatigue in AI-related stocks, some investors are reallocating funds to energy stocks, viewing them as a more reliable long-term investment, although experts caution that restoring Venezuela's oil sector will require years and substantial capital.
See More
Judge Rejects California AG's Motion in Exxon Defamation Case
- Judge's Ruling: A U.S. district judge has rejected California Attorney General Rob Bonta's motion to dismiss Exxon Mobil's (XOM) defamation lawsuit, indicating that the legal proceedings will continue, which could impact the company's relationship with the government.
- Immunity Controversy: The judge stated that Bonta's claim of immunity due to his official duties is unfounded, suggesting he may be held legally accountable for his statements, thereby increasing his risk in public opinion.
- Lawsuit Background: Exxon filed the lawsuit against Bonta in January 2025, accusing him of making false statements while criticizing the company's advanced plastics recycling initiatives, reflecting the company's aggressive stance against environmental critics, which may affect its brand image.
- Escalating Environmental Controversy: As the lawsuit progresses, Exxon has shown a stronger resistance to environmentalists and critics, which could influence its public image and market performance regarding climate change issues.
See More
Exxon, Walmart, and 9 Other Stocks Thriving as Cash Reigns Supreme Again
- Shift in Investment Focus: Wall Street is increasingly concerned that artificial intelligence may threaten white-collar jobs, leading to a renewed interest in hard-hat and "real economy" stocks.
- Market Trends: The fear of AI's impact on employment is influencing investment strategies, making traditional industries more appealing to investors.
See More
U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Venezuela Amid Oil Revenue Changes
- Revenue Account Change: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that Venezuelan oil revenues will no longer be deposited in a Qatar account but will instead go to the U.S. Treasury, aiming to enhance fund transparency and reduce creditor claim risks.
- Surge in Oil Sales Revenue: Wright revealed that Venezuelan oil sales revenue has now topped $1 billion, with an expected additional $5 billion in crude sales through short-term agreements in the coming months, indicating strong U.S. interest and intent to rebuild Venezuela's oil market.
- Political Recognition Complexity: Although the U.S. does not officially recognize the government led by Delcy Rodríguez, Wright indicated that elections and a transition of power may occur during Trump's term, which will influence the U.S.'s ultimate recognition of the Venezuelan government.
- Debt Risk Management: Wright noted that the initial $500 million from oil sales was deposited in Qatar to prevent creditors from freezing the funds, reflecting the immense pressure Venezuela faces in repaying tens of billions in sovereign debt and nationalizing assets.
See More
EXXONMOBIL: THREE CONTRACTORS INJURED AT BEAUMONT COMPLEX AND UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT
- Incident Overview: Three contractors were injured while working at the ExxonMobil facility in Beaumont, Texas.
- Medical Response: The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
See More
Energy Stocks Unexpectedly Surge, Market Outlook Optimistic
- Oil Price Recovery: As of February 2026, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices have rebounded to $57 per barrel, down $15 from early 2025, indicating renewed investor interest in energy stocks amidst a backdrop of previously declining oil prices.
- Energy Sector Leadership: The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has surged 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 2% increase, reflecting a resurgence of investor confidence in the energy sector and suggesting potential future investment opportunities.
- Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy: U.S. military actions in Venezuela have sparked optimistic expectations for major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, which may gain access to the world's largest oil reserves, further driving their stock prices higher.
- Shift in Investor Sentiment: As interest in AI-related stocks wanes, investors are turning to energy stocks as a reliable long-term investment choice, although the market must remain cautious of potential geopolitical risks.
See More
Energy Stocks Surge Driven by U.S. Policy and AI Fatigue
- Energy Stock Surge: As of February 11, 2026, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has risen 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's less than 2% increase, indicating strong investor confidence in the energy sector.
- Impact of U.S. Policy: Following the U.S. military's detention of Venezuelan President Maduro on January 3, investors believe that major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil may gain special access to Venezuela's 19.4 billion barrels of oil reserves, potentially driving oil prices higher and enhancing their market positions.
- Escalating Geopolitical Risks: With rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly the deployment of a carrier group in the region, the market anticipates that any conflict could lead to a temporary spike in global oil prices, further stimulating energy stock performance.
- Shift to Energy Investments: Amidst fatigue in AI-related stocks, some investors are reallocating funds to energy stocks, viewing them as a more reliable long-term investment, although experts caution that restoring Venezuela's oil sector will require years and substantial capital.
See More
Judge Rejects California AG's Motion in Exxon Defamation Case
- Judge's Ruling: A U.S. district judge has rejected California Attorney General Rob Bonta's motion to dismiss Exxon Mobil's (XOM) defamation lawsuit, indicating that the legal proceedings will continue, which could impact the company's relationship with the government.
- Immunity Controversy: The judge stated that Bonta's claim of immunity due to his official duties is unfounded, suggesting he may be held legally accountable for his statements, thereby increasing his risk in public opinion.
- Lawsuit Background: Exxon filed the lawsuit against Bonta in January 2025, accusing him of making false statements while criticizing the company's advanced plastics recycling initiatives, reflecting the company's aggressive stance against environmental critics, which may affect its brand image.
- Escalating Environmental Controversy: As the lawsuit progresses, Exxon has shown a stronger resistance to environmentalists and critics, which could influence its public image and market performance regarding climate change issues.
See More
Exxon, Walmart, and 9 Other Stocks Thriving as Cash Reigns Supreme Again
- Shift in Investment Focus: Wall Street is increasingly concerned that artificial intelligence may threaten white-collar jobs, leading to a renewed interest in hard-hat and "real economy" stocks.
- Market Trends: The fear of AI's impact on employment is influencing investment strategies, making traditional industries more appealing to investors.
See More
U.S. Energy Secretary Visits Venezuela Amid Oil Revenue Changes
- Revenue Account Change: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that Venezuelan oil revenues will no longer be deposited in a Qatar account but will instead go to the U.S. Treasury, aiming to enhance fund transparency and reduce creditor claim risks.
- Surge in Oil Sales Revenue: Wright revealed that Venezuelan oil sales revenue has now topped $1 billion, with an expected additional $5 billion in crude sales through short-term agreements in the coming months, indicating strong U.S. interest and intent to rebuild Venezuela's oil market.
- Political Recognition Complexity: Although the U.S. does not officially recognize the government led by Delcy Rodríguez, Wright indicated that elections and a transition of power may occur during Trump's term, which will influence the U.S.'s ultimate recognition of the Venezuelan government.
- Debt Risk Management: Wright noted that the initial $500 million from oil sales was deposited in Qatar to prevent creditors from freezing the funds, reflecting the immense pressure Venezuela faces in repaying tens of billions in sovereign debt and nationalizing assets.
See More
EXXONMOBIL: THREE CONTRACTORS INJURED AT BEAUMONT COMPLEX AND UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT
- Incident Overview: Three contractors were injured while working at the ExxonMobil facility in Beaumont, Texas.
- Medical Response: The injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.
See More
