Iran strikes send oil toward $97 — load up on energy stocks before the next spike
The U.S. just carried out fresh airstrikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil-shipping chokepoints. Oil prices jumped nearly 3%, pushing Brent crude toward $97 a barrel, as traders worry shipments could be disrupted.
Idea
Every time military conflict flares up near the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices spike because roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes through there. This round of strikes is the second in three days, and Brent crude is already approaching $97 — a level not seen in months. If the ceasefire fully breaks down, oil could keep climbing as supply fears intensify. Large integrated oil companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron tend to move in the same direction as oil prices, but with less wild swings, making them a more manageable way to play the trend. With inflation data already running hot, the energy sector has an additional tailwind from investors looking for companies that actually benefit from rising prices.