Energy Stocks Tread Water Amid Oil Price Stability

Energy stocks were flat, with oil prices above $60 per barrel. Shell shares rose to all-time highs after forecasting higher Q3 earnings from trading in its integrated gas unit. Natural gas futures gained on cool weather outlook in the US.

Energy stocks experienced a relatively flat performance on Tuesday, September 12, 2025, as oil prices remained above $60 per barrel. The day was characterized by mixed sentiment, with Shell shares reaching new highs following an earnings forecast for its integrated gas unit, and natural gas futures gaining on a cool weather outlook in the United States.

Shell Asset Management Co. increased its stake in F5, Inc. by 21.9% during the second quarter, purchasing an additional 3,655 shares and bringing its total holdings to 20,322 shares valued at approximately $5.98 million Shell Asset Management Co. Purchases 3,655 Shares of F5, Inc. $FFIV^[3]. This move signals confidence in the company's network technology solutions, as other institutional investors also boosted their stakes in F5 during the first quarter.

Natural gas futures gained on a cool weather outlook in the US, with prices expected to rise due to increased demand for heating. This trend is supported by the anticipation of higher energy consumption in the coming months, driven by both economic expansion and the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies 1 Smart Energy Stock to Buy and Hold Through at Least 2030^[1].

ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) remains a key player in the energy sector, with a strategic plan to deliver significant earnings and cash-flow growth through 2030. The company plans to invest heavily in its legacy oil and gas business and new lower-carbon energy businesses, positioning itself to meet future energy demand 1 Smart Energy Stock to Buy and Hold Through at Least 2030^[1]. ExxonMobil's plan includes a $140 billion investment over the next five years, with a focus on offshore developments, liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, and lower-emission opportunities such as carbon capture and storage, lithium, and hydrogen 1 Smart Energy Stock to Buy and Hold Through at Least 2030^[1].

OPEC+ is expected to approve another production increase of 137,000 barrels per day at its meeting next Sunday, following months of output hikes aimed at regaining lost market share and taking advantage of higher oil prices OPEC+ plans to raise oil production by 137,000 barrels per day in November^[2]. This move is part of the bloc's broader strategy to unwind production cuts implemented earlier this year in response to falling demand. Despite the planned increases, many OPEC+ members are already pumping as much as they can, suggesting that the actual impact on oil supply may be limited.

In summary, energy stocks held steady on Tuesday, September 12, 2025, with oil prices remaining above $60 per barrel. Shell shares reached new highs, and natural gas futures gained on a cool weather outlook. ExxonMobil's strategic plan for 2030 positions it as a key player in the energy sector, while OPEC+ continues to adjust production levels in response to market conditions.