United States Oil Fund

September WTI Crude Oil Contract Closes up $5.20 or 6.6%, Settles at $84.46 per Barrel. September Brent Oil Was Last Seen Up $6.79, or 8.1%, to $90.88

Canada Commodities: Oil Higher as US-Iran Hostilities Resume, Saudi Arabia Joins Conflict

Crude oil prices jumped Wednesday, reversing three days of declines, after President Trump said Tuesday night the US will hit Iran "hard" for an attempted surprise attack on American forces in the Middle East. US Central Command did not specify location details.Brent crude futures for September was up 8.1% to $90.90 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures, the US benchmark, advanced 7.7% to $85.37.The rise comes as Saudi forces joined the United States to strike several sites in eastern Iraq, retaliating against drone attacks on Saudi territory. The renewed fighting is again lowering hopes for a full return of supply from the Persian Gulf, which accounted for 20% of daily oil demand before the war blocked the Strait of Hormuz.Gold was last seen down 0.8% to $4,065.80, the lowest level since last October. Traders are waiting to see if the US Federal Reserve's policy committee will announce an interest rate hike when it ends its two-day meeting at 2:00 p.m ET on Wednesday.Wheat futures edged up 0.08% to $6.63 per bushel, while canola futures fell 0.96% to C$775.40 per tonne.

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Higher Pre-Bell Wednesday

Energy stocks were higher premarket Wednesday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) gaining 2.2%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was up 6.4%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 0.3% higher.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up 6.7% to $84.56 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil rose 7.1% to $90.05 per barrel, and natural gas futures were 0.5% lower at $2.65 per 1 million British Thermal Units.Eni (E) stock was up more than 6% before market open after the company reported higher Q2 net profit and sales.Cenovus Energy (CVE) gained more than 4% after the company reported higher Q2 earnings.Woodside Energy Group (WDS) rose 3% after the company reported higher Q2 operating revenue.

Sector Update: Energy

Energy stocks were higher premarket Wednesday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) gaining 2.2%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was up 6.4%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 0.3% higher.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up 6.7% to $84.56 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil rose 7.1% to $90.05 per barrel, and natural gas futures were 0.5% lower at $2.65 per 1 million British Thermal Units.Eni (E) stock was up more than 5% before market open after the company reported higher Q2 net profit and sales.

Exchange-Traded Funds Lower, Equity Futures Mixed Pre-Bell Wednesday Ahead of Fed's Interest Rate Announcement

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was down 0.1%, and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) retreated 0.1% in Wednesday's premarket activity, ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate announcement.US stock futures were mixed, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.2%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipping 0.2%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.2% before the start of regular trading.Mortgage applications fell by 6.4% in the week ended July 24, with both refinancing activity and new home applications pushed lower by an increase in 30-year fixed mortgage rates, data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association showed Wednesday.The weekly petroleum stocks data will be released at 10:30 am ET.The Federal Reserve's monetary policy committee will announce its latest decision on interest rates at 2 pm ET, followed by a press conference from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at 2:30 pm ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was up by 1%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 1% higher, Ether ETF (EETH) retreated 0.4%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) was 2.2% lower.Power Play:IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) retreated 0.6%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was flat and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was inactive.Vertiv Holdings (VRT) stock was down more than 12% before the opening bell after the company reported higher Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue.Winners and Losers:Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.4%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was flat, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) slipped 0.9%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was 0.3% lower.Humana (HUM) stock was down more than 8% premarket after the company cut its 2026 GAAP earnings guidance.EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was up 1.2%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) was up by 2.3%.Eni (E) stock was up more than 5% before the market open after the company reported higher Q2 net profit and sales.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) retreated 0.2%, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 0.2% higher, and the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 1.3%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) was 0.9% lower, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) declined by 0.9%.United Microelectronics (UMC) shares were down more than 3% in premarket activity after falling 9% at the prior close. The company reported higher Q2 earnings and operating revenue and announced a phased expansion plan to boost semiconductor manufacturing capacity in Singapore and Taiwan.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was down 0.3%, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) was up 0.035, and the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was 0.1% lower. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) gained 0.6%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) was inactive, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) retreated marginally by 0.02%.Unilever (UL) shares were down more than 2% pre-bell following a nearly 9% rise at the previous close. Reuters reported that the company agreed to protect the employment terms and conditions of workers in its European and UK food business for two years after its planned 2027 merger with McCormick (MKC). McCormick stock was 0.5% higher.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) lost 0.02%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.2%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 0.1% higher.UBS Group (UBS) shares traded up 1% in early-hours activity after the company reported higher Q2 earnings and revenue.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil advanced by 4.8% to $83.05 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was down by 1.2% to $2.63 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) was up 6.8%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 0.2% lower.Gold futures for November retreated 0.2% to $4,090.00 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures were up 0.6% to $57.85 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) decreased 0.3%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) was 0.3% lower.

September WTI Crude Oil Contract Closes Down $3.35, or 4.1%, Settles at $79.26 per Barrel. September Brent Oil Last Seen Down $4.46, or 5.1%, at $83.90

Canada Commodities: Oil and Gold Lower as Pause in US-Iran Hostilities Seem to be Holding

Prices for key Canadian export commodities fell on Tuesday, with oil and gold in the red as a pause in the US-Iran hostilities appeared to be holding and discussions on the future of the Strait of Hormuz continued.September West Texas Intermediate crude oil was last seen down 5.7% to $77.29 a barrel, the lowest since July 10, while September Brent oil lost 4.5%% to $84.46 a barrel.Oil dropped for the third-straight session even as the United States and Iran paused attacks, with Reuters reporting Oman is proposing a Gulf States-backed plan for managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following an end to hostilities.November gold was fell and was last seen down 0.7% to $4,106.30 per ounce, as traders assessed the possibility that the US Federal Reserve's policy committee could announce an interest rate hike when it ends its two-day meeting at 2:00 p.m ET on Wednesday. The CME FedWatch tool sees a 29.9% probability the committee will raise rates by 25 basis points.

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Edge Higher Pre-Bell Tuesday

Energy stocks were edging higher pre-bell Tuesday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) up 0.1%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 0.8% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.3% lower.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 1.6% lower at $81.30 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil fell 1.9% to $86.68 per barrel, and natural gas futures were down 1.5% at $2.73 per 1 million British Thermal Units.HF Sinclair (DINO) stock was up more than 1% after the company reported higher Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue, and raised its quarterly dividend. Separately, HF Sinclair said it plans to separate its Lubricants and Specialties segment into an independent publicly traded company.Expro (XPRO) shares were up more than 3% after the company increased its 2026 revenue outlook.TotalEnergies (TTE) and Eni (E) reached a final investment decision to develop the Cronos gas field offshore Cyprus, marking the country's first gas development project. TotalEnergies stock was 0.5% higher premarket.

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Mixed Pre-Bell Tuesday Amid Renewed Pressure on Semiconductor Stocks

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.02%, and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) retreated 0.8% in Tuesday's premarket activity, as markets traded mixed amid renewed pressure on semiconductor stocks.US stock futures were also mixed, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.1%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipping 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 0.8% before the start of regular trading.The US advance international trade in goods deficit narrowed to $101.46 billion in June from $105.89 billion in May, according to data released by the US Census Bureau, compared with a narrower gap of $100 billion expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:40 am ET.May's home price data will be released at 9:00 am ET, followed by consumer confidence and the Richmond Federal Reserve's conditions readings, both for July, at 10:00 am ET.The Dallas Fed's nonmanufacturing index for July is due to be released at 10:30 am ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was down by 2.3%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 2.2% lower, Ether ETF (EETH) fell 3.8%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) was up 1.9%.Power Play:ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was up 1.7%, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) was flat, and the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was 0.5% higher. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) gained 0.1%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) and the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) were inactive.Unilever (UL) shares were up more than 8% pre-bell after the company reported higher Q2 turnover and underlying sales.Winners and Losers:FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) advanced 0.5%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 1.4%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 1.5% lower.Barclays (BCS) shares traded down 6.4% in early-hours activity even after the company reported higher Q2 earnings and total income.EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was down 1.1%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) was up by 0.1%.Expro (XPRO) stock was up more than 5% before market open after the company raised its 2026 revenue guidance.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) retreated 0.1%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was 0.7% higher and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was flat.GE Vernova (GEV) stock was down more than 4% before the opening bell following a 1.8% loss in the prior session. The company said it was selected to replace two pumped storage units at First Hydro's Dinorwig hydropower plant in the UK.Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 1.3%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was up 0.9%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) gained 0.4%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was flat.CG Oncology (CGON) stock was up more than 1% premarket after the company reported durable responses and bladder preservation in patients with high-risk Bacillus Calmette-Guerin-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in its phase 3 study of cretostimogene grenadenorepvec.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) retreated 2%, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 0.8% lower, and the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was down 1.7%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) fell 2.5%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) declined by 4.2%.Nvidia (NVDA) shares were down 0.8% in premarket activity after falling 5% at the previous close, while Apple (AAPL) gained 0.4% after a 1.2% rise at Monday's close. Apple surpassed Nvidia as the world's most valuable company on Monday, marking the first time it has closed above the chipmaker since April 2025. Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Taiwanese prosecutors have detained an Nvidia employee as part of an investigation into the alleged smuggling of advanced AI chips to China.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil declined by 1% to $81.79 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was down by 1.6% to $2.72 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 0.2%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.5% lower.Gold futures for November retreated 1.2% to $4,088.50 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures were down 2% to $57.53 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) decreased 1.4%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) was 2.1% lower.

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Decline Pre-Bell Monday

Energy stocks were declining pre-bell Monday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) falling 2.5%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 6% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 3.3% lower.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 5.7% lower at $84.25 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil fell 6.1% to $90.90 per barrel, and natural gas futures were down 3% at $2.79 per 1 million British Thermal Units.TotalEnergies (TTE) has decided to appeal a June 25 ruling by the Paris Judicial Court in a climate-related duty-of-vigilance case, the company said. Shares of TotalEnergies were down more than 3% premarket.Baker Hughes (BKR) shares were up more than 3% after the company posted Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations.Expand Energy (EXE) stock was down more than 1% after the company said it has agreed to acquire Twin Eagle, a private asset-backed natural gas marketing and optimization business, for $1.25 billion in cash from Five Point Infrastructure.

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Higher Pre-Bell Monday as Oil Prices Fall

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.9%, and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) advanced 1.4% in Monday's premarket activity, as oil prices fell amid hopes of a US-Iran truce.US stock futures were also higher, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.9%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures advancing 1.2%, and Nasdaq futures gaining 1.4% before the start of regular trading.New orders for US durable goods rose by 0.3% in June following a decline of 4.0% in May, compared with the expectations for a larger increase of 1.8% in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.The Dallas Federal Reserve's manufacturing index for July will be released at 10:30 am ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was up by 0.6%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 1.5% higher, Ether ETF (EETH) rose 5.4%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) retreated marginally by 0.01%.Power Play:EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) declined by 2.1%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) fell 2.6%.TotalEnergies (TTE) stock was down more than 3% before market open after the company said it has decided to appeal a June 25 ruling by the Paris Judicial Court in a climate-related duty-of-vigilance case.Winners and Losers:IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.9%, the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) gained 0.8%, and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was 0.3% higher.United Airlines (UAL) stock was up more than 3%, while Delta Air Lines (DAL) shares rose 2.7% before the opening bell, a day after The Wall Street Journal reported that United pitched a merger deal to Delta last year, but the talks fizzled out without a deal after Delta declined to pursue the proposal.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) advanced 0.8%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 1.8%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 2.2% lower.Northern Trust (NTRS) shares traded up 2% in early hours activity after the company said it has been selected to provide fund administration and related services to alternative asset manager Dawson Partners.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) advanced 1.6%, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 1.6% higher, and the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 0.2%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) gained 2.6%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) rose by 2.2%.Broadcom (AVGO) shares were up more than 2% in premarket activity after the company and Samsung Electronics said they signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their strategic collaboration across memory and foundry technologies to support next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure.Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.6%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was up 1.6%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) slipped 0.01%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was 0.5% higher.AstraZeneca (AZN) stock was up 1% premarket after the company reported higher Q2 core earnings and revenue.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was up 0.1%, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) advanced 0.1%, and the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was inactive. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) rose 1.1%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) was inactive, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was 1.2% higher.Toyota Motor (TM) shares were up more than 1% pre-bell after the company said it signed a binding agreement with Volvo Group and Daimler Truck to acquire a one-third stake in fuel-cell joint venture cellcentric.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil declined by 5.7% to $84.24 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was down by 3.1% to $2.80 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 6.2%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 3.7% lower.Gold futures for November gained 0.7% to $4,156.50 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures were up 0.8% to $59.35 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) increased 0.7%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) was 1.3% higher.

Oil Trading Sharply Lower as Middle East Fighting Calms, Reviving Peace Hopes

Oil traded sharply lower early on Monday as the US and Iran paused fighting over the weekend, reviving hopes the pair will reach a peace deal.West Texas Intermediate crude oil for September delivery was last seen down $5.24. or 5.9%, to $84.07 per barrel, while September Brent oil, was down $6.25, or 6.5%, to $90.53.The drop comes as the US and Iran paused fighting over the weekend, with US officials on the weekend saying talks are continuing, raising hopes the two countries will be able to reach a deal to end the war that is about to enter its sixth month."Brent crude fell as much as 7.4% at Monday's open, briefly dipping below 90 dollars a barrel, and was trading near 88 into the European morning; WTI fell about 5% to around 85. The move reverses part of last week's surge that briefly took Brent above 100 dollars, a level last seen in late May," Saxo Bank noted.

September WTI Crude Oil Contract Closes Down $2.88, or 3.1%; Settles at $89.31 per Barrel

Oil Falls Off a Six-Week High Even as Middle East Fighting Continues

Oil prices retreated from six-week highs early on Friday even as Middle East fighting continues, with Iran and the US continuing attacks and Houthi militants threatening shipping in the Red Sea.West Texas Intermediate crude oil for September delivery was last down $2.60, or 2.8%, to $89.59 per barrel, while September Brent oil was down $3.12, or 3.1%, to $97.57.The drop comes even as conflict continues to block exports from the Persian Gulf producers who supplied 20% of daily oil demand prior to the Feb. 28 start to the war on Iran. The US continued attacks on Iran, with the Guardian reporting President Donald Trump may heighten strikes, saying he is considering "a massive attack" on the country.As well, Houthi militants on Thursday attacked ships in the Red Sea carrying Saudi crude, threatening to shut in shipments through the sea, adding to the supply shock that followed Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the war.Only 15 ships have moved through the Strait in the past day, according to hormuzstraitmonitor.com, 17% of prewar traffic, while Reuters reported shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where the Red Sea joins the Indian Ocean, fell to two ships on Thursday, down from 32 a day earlier.Drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea loading oil from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium is further cutting into supply."Crude oil closed above 100 dollars a barrel for the first time since May (on Thursday), with Brent up about 7% to 100.69 and WTI near 92, leaving oil up roughly 38% this month. The bid reflects Houthi attacks on Red Sea tankers, President Trump's threat of a 'massive attack' on Iran, and strikes on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal that handles most Kazakh crude," Saxo Bank wrote.

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Higher Pre-Bell Friday Amid New US Tariffs

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was up 0.2%, and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) advanced 0.1% in Friday's premarket activity, as investors digest new US tariffs amid continued corporate earnings.US stock futures were higher, with S&P 500 Index futures up 0.2%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gaining 0.4%, and Nasdaq futures advancing 0.1% before the start of regular trading.S&P Global US Manufacturing, Service, and Composite PMI are expected at 9:45 AM ET. New Home Sales are due at 10 AM ET, followed by Kansas City Fed Services at 11 AM ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was up by 0.01%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 0.1% higher, Ether ETF (EETH) advanced 0.2%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) rose over 2.6%.Power Play:TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) advanced 0.1%, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 0.6% higher, and the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 0.1%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) gained 0.9%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell by 0.5%.Intel (INTC) shares were up more than 3% in premarket activity after the company reported that it swung to fiscal Q2 adjusted earnings as revenue increased during the period.Winners and Losers:EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) was down 0.8%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) retreated by 0.4%.SLB N.V. (SLB) stock was up more than 3% before market open after the company reported Q2 adjusted earnings Friday of $0.55 per diluted share, above analyst estimates of $0.51.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was up 0.3%, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) rose 2.2%, and the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was inactive. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) gained 0.3%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) was inactive, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was up 0.9%.Fly-E Group (FLYE) shares were up 2.4% pre-bell after the company said late Thursday it filed its overdue Form 10-K and expects it will eliminate the need to submit a formal plan to regain compliance with Nasdaq.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.4%, the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was up 0.6% and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was inactive.C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) stock was down more than 2% before the opening bell after the company said that a Dallas County, Texas jury issued a $604 million advisory verdict against the company and two other defendants in a lawsuit stemming from a trucking accident.Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.3%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was inactive, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) slipped 1.4%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was inactive.Novo Nordisk (NVO) stock was up more than 1% premarket after the company filed a preliminary US court injunction to immediately block advertising by Eli Lilly (LLY) for its obesity and diabetes drugs.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) advanced 0.3%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was up 0.9%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 1% lower.HSBC (HSBC) shares traded up 1% in early hours activity after the company signed the share purchase deal to sell HSBC Life in Singapore for $2.09 billion to Allianz Asia.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil retreated by 3.3% to $89.15 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was up by 1% to $2.95 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 2.4%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 2% higher.Gold futures for July advanced 0.2% to $4,057.90 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures were up 1.1% to $58.71 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) increased 0.1%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) was 1.4% higher.

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Decline Pre-Bell Friday

Energy stocks were declining pre-bell Friday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) 0.3% lower.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 1.7% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.9% higher.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 2.4% lower at $89.90 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil fell 2.8% to $97.83 per barrel, and natural gas futures were up 1.3% at $2.95 per 1 million British Thermal Units.SLB (SLB) shares were up nearly 4% after the company reported Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts' estimates.BP (BP) is in advanced talks to sell its solar power arm Lightsource to a consortium comprising Qualitas Energy, a private equity firm focused on green energy, and Wren House, the infrastructure arm of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Reuters reported. BP stock was 0.3% lower premarket.Ocean Power Technologies (OPTT) stock was 2% lower after the company said it acquired strategic subsea developmental technology assets from Columbia Power Technologies.

Update: WTI Oil Jumps as US-Iran Conflict, Houthi Attacks Escalate Supply Fears

(Updates prices in the second paragraph.)West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil closed sharply higher on Thursday, rising for a fifth straight day as fighting between the US and Iran continued and Yemen's Houthi militants widened the Middle East conflict by attacking two tankers carrying Saudi oil in the Red Sea.WTI crude oil for September delivery up $5.36, or 6.2%, to settle at $92.19 per barrel, its highest level since June 4, while September Brent crude was last seen up $7.16, or 7.6%, at $101.23.The gains came as continued fighting in the Middle East heightened supply risks. The conflict between the US and Iran entered a 12th day, with reports that Iran launched strikes on targets in Kuwait while the US continued attacking Iranian facilities.The fighting has blocked most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint for exports from Persian Gulf countries that supplied about 20% of global daily oil demand before the war began. Only 14 ships moved through the strait over the past day, according to hormuzstraitmonitor.com, leaving 440 vessels waiting to transit the waterway.Yemen's Houthis also attacked two tankers carrying Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea, further heightening supply concerns as the militants sought to disrupt Middle East exports."Crude oil extended its rally, with Brent rising as much as 2.5% to almost 96.50 dollars a barrel, its highest since early June, after Iran-backed Houthi militants struck two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. WTI traded toward 88 dollars, leaving oil up close to 30% this month. The bid reflects the US-Iran conflict, the Houthi threat to Red Sea shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Tehran's dismissal of peace talks," Saxo Bank wrote.

September WTI Crude Oil Contract Closes Up $5.36, or 6.2%; Settles at $92.19 per Barrel

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Rise Premarket Thursday

Energy stocks were rising premarket Thursday, with the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) advancing by 1.7%.The United States Oil Fund (USO) was up 5.6% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.8% higher.Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 4.6% higher at $90.79 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil rose 5.9% to $99.64 per barrel, and natural gas futures were up 1.6% at $2.97 per 1 million British Thermal Units.TotalEnergies (TTE) stock was up more than 2% after the company reported higher Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue.Ares Management (ARES) received clearance from the European Commission to acquire joint control of Eni Plenitude alongside parent Eni (E), the EU's competition watchdog said. Eni shares were up more than 1% premarket.Oceaneering International (OII) stock was up more than 4% after the company posted higher fiscal Q2 non-GAAP net income and revenue.

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Lower Pre-Bell Thursday Amid Major Tech Stocks Sell-Off

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was down 0.6%, and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) retreated 0.9% in Thursday's premarket activity, as a selloff in major technology stocks follows corporate earnings.US stock futures were also lower, with S&P 500 Index futures down 0.3%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipping 0.3%, and Nasdaq futures retreating 0.3% before the start of regular trading.US initial jobless claims decreased to a level of 187,000 in the employment survey week ended July 18, the lowest level since 1969, from an upwardly revised 209,000 level in the previous week, compared with expectations for an increase to 210,000 in a survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg.Weekly natural gas stocks are due to be released at 10:30 am ET, followed by the Kansas City Fed's manufacturing index for July at 11:00 am ET.In premarket action, bitcoin was down by 0.7%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 0.9% lower, Ether ETF (EETH) retreated 0.04%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) declined by 0.02.Power Play:TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) retreated 0.7%, the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 1.1% lower, and the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was down 0.4%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) was up 0.1%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell by 1.9%.STMicroelectronics (STM) shares were down more than 13% in premarket activity even after the company reported higher Q2 non-GAAP earnings and revenue.Winners and Losers:ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was down 0.4%, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) was up 1.3%, and the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was inactive. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) lost 1.8%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) was inactive, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was 1.2% lower.Tesla (TSLA) shares fell more than 7% pre-bell after the electric vehicle manufacturer reported an unexpected year-over-year decline in its Q2 earnings, weighed down by higher operating expenses related to research and development and artificial intelligence initiatives.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) was down 0.3%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was down 0.7%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was 0.4% higher.Ameriprise Financial (AMP) shares traded up 2% in early-hours activity after the company reported higher Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue.EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) rose 1.2%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) was up by 1.8%.TotalEnergies (TTE) stock was up more than 2% before market open after the company reported higher Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) advanced 0.1%, the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) was 0.04% lower, and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) was up 1%.Union Pacific Railroad (UNP) and Canadian National Railway (CNI) shares rose more than 1% before the opening bell after the companies signed a binding memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for CN to secure competitive access in connection with the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern (NSC). Norfolk Southern shares were 0.7% lower.Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.2%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) was up 0.1%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) slipped 0.4%. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was 0.1% lower.AstraZeneca (AZN) stock was down more than 1% premarket following a 0.2% gain at the prior close. The company said that the European Commission approved its experimental drug, Etcamah, in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, for adults with a type of breast cancer harboring an ESR1 mutation that emerges during first-line endocrine therapy, after the Phase 3 SERENA-6 trial met its primary endpoint.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil advanced by 4.3% to $90.56 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was up by 1.1% to $2.96 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) was up 4.8%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.8% higher.Gold futures for July retreated 1.5% to $4,087.80 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures were down 2.5% to $58.81 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) decreased 1.7%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) was 3% lower.