Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) and Chevron ( CVX ), the two largest U.S. oil majors, reported second-quarter earnings Friday. Both earning reports exceeded Wall Street expectations—despite a sharp year-over-year decline in profits and persistent pressure from falling oil prices. The reports come as both companies deepen ties in offshore Guyana and brace for shifting investor priorities. Strong Operations Offset Soft Prices for Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil reported second-quarter earnings of $1.64 per share, above the $1.56 analysts had expected. Revenue came in at $81.5 billion, slightly ahead of estimates and a figure equivalent to over $900 million in daily sales. Though earnings were down nearly 23% from a year ago, the company delivered its highest second-quarter upstream production since the Exxon-Mobil merger in 1999. Production reached 4.63 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), with international operations generating $4.19 billion in profit and U.S. production contributing $1.21 b...

In a landmark deal aimed at reshoring critical materials supply, MP Materials ( MP ) announced a sweeping partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The announcement sent its company shares skyrocketing more than 50% Thursday morning. The agreement positions the Pentagon as MP’s largest shareholder and cements the miner’s role at the heart of America’s strategy to regain independence in rare earth elements. Pentagon Buys In, Becomes Largest Shareholder Under the agreement, the Department of Defense will acquire $400 million in preferred stock, convertible into common shares at a price of $30.03. It also receives warrants to purchase additional shares, giving the DoD a potential 15% stake in the company—making it MP’s top shareholder. This public-private partnership marks a milestone in U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical materials used in technologies ranging from fighter jets to smartphones. MP Materials’ stock hit $45.10 during morning trading, its highe...

Global oil markets were jolted over the weekend following a dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions.  After U.S. airstrikes destroyed three of Iran’s nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz—an oil artery vital to nearly 20% of global crude flows. While the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, even the suggestion of closure has injected volatility into energy markets. Crude futures briefly surged, with Brent crude topping $81 per barrel before retreating below $77 as traders digested the initial shock. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also saw sharp swings, hovering around $74 per barrel by midday Monday. Although the physical flow of oil remains largely uninterrupted, the geopolitical risk premium has risen sharply, with analysts warning of potential spikes to $120–$130 per barrel in a worst-case scenario. The Strait of Hormuz has long been considered a global chokepoint, and any disruption—whether real or threatened—has ...

Amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, Beijing has halted shipments of seven critical rare earth elements, invoking national export control laws. These laws now require opaque and lengthy licensing processes.The move, which affects vital materials like yttrium, dysprosium, and terbium, threatens to choke global supply chains in defense, automotive, and clean energy sectors. The export restrictions, widely seen as a direct counter to Washington’s sweeping tariffs, have already paralyzed cargo flows. Chinese traders report export delays of at least 60 days, with the potential to extend much longer. Some suppliers have declared force majeure to avoid breach of contract penalties, underscoring the seriousness of the disruption. China currently dominates the global rare earth market, producing about 90% of the world’s supply. Analysts warn that this monopoly gives Beijing powerful leverage, but it also risks long-term consequences. Buyers are now accelerating ef...

In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent announcement of sweeping tariffs on April 2, 2025, global markets have experienced significant volatility. These tariffs, including a baseline 10% on imported goods and additional reciprocal tariffs targeting countries such as China (34%), Japan (24%), and the European Union (20%), have heightened fears of a global recession . Consequently, investors are increasingly turning to gold as a safe-haven asset, driving its price to record highs. On April 3, 2025, gold futures reached $3,127.90 per ounce. Understanding Gold's Role in Your Portfolio Gold has long been valued for its ability to maintain value during economic uncertainty. Unlike stocks or bonds, gold often moves independently of traditional financial markets, making it an effective tool for diversification and a hedge against inflation. In times of geopolitical tension or economic downturns, such as the current climate influenced by aggressive trade policies, gold's appe...

President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Russia, threatening secondary tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil. The move aims to pressure President Vladimir Putin into agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump's comments come amid escalating tensions following Putin's remarks questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While speaking to the press, Trump expressed frustration, stating that if Russia is deemed responsible for the lack of progress in peace talks, secondary tariffs would follow. These tariffs would target nations that purchase Russian oil, adding significant economic pressure on Moscow’s energy exports. Oil markets reacted with initial volatility before stabilizing as skepticism grew over the feasibility and enforcement of such measures. Global Implications and Market Skepticism Russia remains one of the world’s top oil producers, supplying key buyers like China, India, and Turkey. Analysts warn that secondary tariff...

Gold futures surged to an all-time high on Friday as escalating trade tensions rattled financial markets. The Trump administration’s announcement of 25% tariffs on foreign autos sparked fears of a global trade war, pushing investors toward the safety of the precious metal. Gold futures climbed to $3,115.30 per ounce, reflecting a 0.79% increase. Spot gold similarly reached a record $3,086.70 per ounce, marking its eighteenth record high of the year. The precious metal has gained over 17% in the last quarter, positioning itself for its strongest year-to-date performance in nearly four decades. A weakening US dollar has further bolstered gold’s appeal, with the Dollar Index (DXY) down 2.8% this year. Wall Street Analysts Boost Gold Forecasts Financial institutions are increasingly bullish on gold’s outlook. Bank of America ( BAC ) recently raised its price target to $3,500 per ounce over the next 18 months, citing increased buying from China, central banks, and investors in gold-back...

The oil market has been shaken by the Trump administration's recent tariff threats against Colombia.  Brent crude fell below $78 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) remained above $74. These price movements stem from President Donald Trump’s decision to impose emergency tariffs of up to 50% on Colombian imports. The punitive measures were triggered by Colombia’s refusal to permit U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants to land. Although Colombia ultimately complied with U.S. demands, the brief standoff has already caused notable ripples across global markets. Colombia is a vital oil supplier to the U.S., ranking as its fourth-largest source of overseas crude. In 2024, Colombian oil exports to the U.S. surpassed 215,000 barrels per day. Any disruption to this trade relationship threatens not only oil markets but also broader commodity flows, including coffee and gold, which are critical to Colombia’s economy. Trump’s Tariffs: Ripple Effects Across Markets Trump’s...

The demand for energy-intensive data centers, particularly for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, is creating a new surge in interest around nuclear power. Major tech companies like Microsoft ( MSFT ), Google ( GOOG ), and Amazon ( AMZN ) are placing big bets on nuclear energy, especially on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Recently, Microsoft signed an agreement with Constellation Energy to revive a reactor at the infamous Three Mile Island, while Google partnered with Kairos Power to invest in SMRs, and Amazon led a $500 million funding round for SMR developer X-Energy. These investments underscore nuclear power's potential role in supporting the growing energy needs of AI-driven data centers, as tech giants seek stable, carbon-free power sources. Barriers to Growth: Safety and Regulation The US nuclear industry has long stagnated, with 94 reactors providing roughly 20% of the nation’s electricity for over three decades. Stringent safety regulations have limited the constru...

Oil markets have been volatile this week as fears mount over potential disruptions in the global oil supply chain due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. U.S. crude oil prices have gained about 8%, reflecting the market’s anxiety over a potential retaliation from Israel, which could target Iran’s oil infrastructure. On Thursday, oil prices surged by approximately 5% after President Joe Biden hinted at discussions surrounding an Israeli strike on Iran's oil facilities. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East are at their highest since the Gulf War, according to analysts. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. oil benchmark, hit an intraday high of $73.95 per barrel, and Brent crude, the global benchmark, also spiked in response to the turmoil. A significant disruption in oil production could push prices even higher. OPEC+ Capacity Holds Prices Steady – For Now Despite the mounting tension, oil prices have not run completely out of control. Analysts point to OPEC+’s spare ...

Gold ( GLD ) prices climbed over 1% on Monday, reaching their highest level since early August.  This rise comes as investors and traders focus on upcoming U.S. economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. Spot gold increased to $2,458.25 per ounce, with U.S. gold futures similarly gaining to $2,497.40. Analysts point to the heightened tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, alongside technical buying, as key drivers behind gold’s upward movement. "We're seeing price support from bullish charts in gold, prompting some technical buying," noted Jim Wycoff, a senior analyst at Kitco Metals. The ongoing geopolitical instability, particularly in Israel and Ukraine, has also spurred safe-haven demand for gold. Gold’s Resilience Amid Economic Uncertainty In a year where the Federal Reserve's benchmark interest rate has hovered above 5%, gold's performance has been notably resilient. Typically, high-interest rates diminish gold...