Iran yesterday launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel
Oil stocks are back in focus, but not because of the U.S. presidential election. Rising tension in the Middle East put black gold back in the spotlight, after Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel. This follows Israel's air strikes, which killed several Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon, where militants and Israeli troops are currently fighting.
The conflict could disrupt crude production and distribution, thus lowering supplies and hiking prices. Below, let's dig into how sector giants Marathon Oil Corp (NYSE:MRO), Occidental Petroleum Corp (NYSE:OXY), and Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:XOM) are faring amid the escalation.
MRO was last seen trading near breakeven at $27.62, losing steam after rallying from a pullback to familiar support at the $25 level, which contained losses in early September. Shares now sport a 27.6% year-to-date lead, and added 7.9% in the past 12 months.
OXY is down 1% to trade at $52.74 at last glance. The shares recently bounced off their lowest level since 2022, but carry a 12.1% deficit for 2024, and a 15.2% year-over-year loss.
XOM is within striking distance of its April 12, year-to-date high of $123.75, last seen up 0.5% at $120.47. The equity also conquered resistance at the $120 level, which capped several rallies since that peak. Exxon Mobil has tacked on 17.7% so far this year.