Oil stocks are far outpacing the price of oil so far this year, continuing a trend that started in 2022. The trend bodes well for energy investors, who have previously seen dramatic busts when oil prices cratered.
Brent crude
the international benchmark, is down 7.3% this year, settling on Monday at $79.65 per barrel.
West Texas Intermediate
the U.S. benchmark, is down 7% to $74.63. But the
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund
(XLE) is up 3.3% this year. And the
SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
(XOP) is up 3.5%.
Exxon Mobil
(XOM) has risen 1.8%, while some shale-producers are doing even better.
Diamondback Energy
(FANG) is up 7.5%.