Energy Stocks Shift Direction in Premarket Trading as Oil Prices Drop 13% Following Trump's Delay of Strikes on Iran
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 23 2026
0mins
Should l Buy COP?
Source: moomoo
Energy Stocks Decline: Energy stocks have experienced a significant drop of 13% following recent developments in the market.
Trump's Decision: The decline in energy stocks is attributed to former President Trump's postponement of strikes on Iran, which has affected market sentiment.
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Analyst Views on COP
Wall Street analysts forecast COP stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 118.920
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
Current: 118.920
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
About COP
ConocoPhillips is an exploration and production company. Its Alaska segment primarily explores for, produces, transports and markets crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. The Lower 48 segment consists of operations located in the 48 contiguous states in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Canadian operations consist of the Surmont oil sands development in Alberta, the liquids-rich Montney unconventional play in British Columbia and commercial operations. The Europe, Middle East and North Africa segment consists of operations principally located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, Qatar, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and commercial and terminalling operations in the United Kingdom. Asia Pacific segment has exploration and production operations in China, Malaysia, Australia and commercial operations in China, Singapore and Japan. Other International segment includes interests in Colombia as well as contingencies associated with prior operations in other countries.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Historic Ceasefire Agreement: Israel and Lebanon have reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement in Washington, marking the first meaningful talks between the two nations since 1983, potentially paving the way for a broader peace agreement in the Middle East.
- Positive Market Reaction: Israel's central bank governor noted that markets are responding positively to the latest peace developments, with major markets holding near record highs, reflecting investor optimism for stability in the region despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
- U.S. Diplomatic Efforts: President Trump plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Lebanese President Aoun for talks, further advancing the improvement of relations between the two countries and highlighting the U.S.'s active role in the Middle East peace process.
- Impact of Iranian Situation: Trump mentioned that the war in Iran is progressing well and is expected to end soon, a statement that could influence regional security dynamics and market reactions, prompting investors to monitor future military and diplomatic developments.
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- Market Surge: Global equities have surged, with the S&P 500 rising 0.80% and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.59%, both reaching record highs amid optimism surrounding the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in over 30 years, indicating strong investor confidence in market prospects.
- Japan's Performance: The Nikkei 225 index hit a new high, driven by a broader rally in Asian markets, particularly in technology and consumer cyclical stocks, reflecting investor confidence in the region's economic recovery.
- China's Economic Growth: China's GDP grew by 5% in the first quarter, exceeding economists' forecast of 4.8%, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, showcasing the resilience of the Chinese economy despite potential global demand shocks from the Iran conflict.
- World Bank Caution: The World Bank president cautioned in an interview that economic disruptions related to conflicts could last for months, even if the current fragile ceasefire holds, posing a potential threat to global economic recovery.
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- Strait of Hormuz Situation: The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz has led to heightened uncertainty in the oil market, as any attack could cause oil prices to soar, reflecting the precarious nature of current geopolitical tensions.
- Pipeline Developments: The construction of backup pipelines by Saudi Arabia and the UAE has halved the flow of shipborne oil through the Strait, with Saudi's capacity at 7 million barrels per day and UAE's at 1.5 million, reducing reliance on this critical chokepoint.
- Focus on Energy Security: Investors are advised to concentrate on companies enhancing energy security, such as GE Vernova, whose stock has surged 51%, indicating strong market confidence in its long-term growth potential amidst ongoing uncertainties.
- Optimism for Pipeline Companies: Kinder Morgan is highlighted as a top choice for oil and gas transport, boasting nearly 80,000 miles of pipeline; despite trading near all-time highs, demand for its core energy infrastructure remains robust, suggesting a favorable outlook for the sector.
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- Market Recovery: The S&P 500 has erased all declines since the onset of the Iran war and is nearing an all-time high, reflecting investor optimism about potential progress in US-Iran negotiations, which could drive further stock market gains.
- Economic Blockade Impact: The full implementation of the US blockade on Iranian ports has cut off international sea trade that powers about 90% of Iran's economy, potentially leading to further economic deterioration in Iran while also creating ripple effects in the global energy market.
- International Relations Strain: The US's maximum pressure campaign not only affects Iran but also strains relationships with China and India, particularly as nearly all Iranian oil exports are directed to China, complicating regional dynamics.
- Corporate Developments: European chip manufacturing giant ASML has exceeded first-quarter revenue expectations with sales topping 8.8 billion euros, indicating that the tech sector continues to show robust growth amid global economic uncertainties, likely attracting more investor interest.
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- Stock Market Surge: The S&P 500 index has rallied for nine out of the last ten trading sessions, nearing its all-time high, driven by investor optimism regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations, indicating strong confidence in future economic recovery.
- Strait of Hormuz Blockade: President Trump announced a new blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting about 20% of global oil supply, with over 10,000 U.S. military personnel and several warships enforcing it, further complicating the uncertain situation in the Middle East.
- Aviation Industry Crisis: Experts warn that if the blockade persists, Europe's airline industry could face a
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- Market Rally: The S&P 500 rose by 1.18%, reaching a two-month high, while the Nasdaq 100 increased by 1.81%, reflecting strong investor optimism ahead of the earnings season, particularly as major banks prepare to report.
- Oil Price Plunge: WTI crude oil prices fell over 7% due to potential US-Iran ceasefire extensions, which will lower jet fuel costs for airlines, thereby boosting profitability and further supporting stock market gains.
- Inflation Data Impact: The March PPI report showed a 4.0% year-over-year increase, below the expected 4.6%, indicating easing inflation pressures that could influence the Fed's rate hike decisions, leading to more cautious market expectations regarding future monetary policy.
- Airline Stocks Surge: American Airlines Group saw its stock rise over 8% as a result of falling oil prices, demonstrating market confidence in the airline industry's recovery and reflecting investor optimism about the profitability potential from lower fuel costs.
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