Block is the latest to get an S&P 500 nod, and its stock is climbing
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jul 18 2025
0mins
Should l Buy XOM?
Source: MarketWatch
S&P 500 Update: Block Inc. is set to join the S&P 500 index, replacing Hess Corp., which was acquired by Chevron Corp.
Effective Date: The change will take effect before the market opens on Wednesday.
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Analyst Views on XOM
Wall Street analysts forecast XOM stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 153.530
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
Current: 153.530
Low
114.00
Averages
132.17
High
158.00
About XOM
Exxon Mobil Corporation is an energy provider and chemical manufacturer. The Company’s principal business involves exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas; the manufacture, trade, transport and sale of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and a wide variety of specialty products; and pursuit of lower-emission and other new business opportunities, including carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, lower-emission fuels, Proxxima systems, carbon materials, and lithium. Its Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. The Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments manufacture and sell petroleum products and petrochemicals. Energy Products segment includes fuels, aromatics, and catalysts and licensing. Chemical Products segment consists of olefins, polyolefins, and intermediates. Specialty Products segment includes finished lubricants, basestocks and waxes, synthetics, and elastomers and resins.
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.
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- Management Perspective: CEO Darren Woods stated that the move is intended to protect the company from shareholder 'abuse,' particularly regarding frivolous lawsuits prevalent in certain legal venues, believing Texas has a deeper understanding of the oil and gas industry.
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See More
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- Oil Infrastructure Protection: Trump stated he chose not to destroy the oil infrastructure on Kharg Island, although he warned that he would reconsider this decision if Iran or others interfere with the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategy aimed at avoiding further economic repercussions.
- Geopolitical Risks: Analysts indicate that the prospect of seizing Kharg Island is considered extremely high risk, as the island is regarded as Iran's
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- Quality Stock Holdings: This ETF comprises 22 energy stocks, including top players like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, which together account for nearly half of the fund's portfolio, ensuring safety and potential returns for investors.
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- Long-Term Investment Potential: Although the XLE ETF has underperformed in the past three years, the current rise in oil prices could serve as a catalyst for recovery, and with a low expense ratio of 0.08% and a dividend yield of 2.6%, it remains an excellent long-term investment option.
See More
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- Surging Oil Prices: Brent and WTI crude oil prices rose approximately 3% on Friday, leading to week-to-date gains of over 11% and 8%, respectively, which pressured investor sentiment and caused all three major indices to drop at least 1% this week.
- Strait of Hormuz Closure: Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively halted due to the outbreak of war, through which about 20% of the world's petroleum consumption passes, with Iran's Supreme Leader stating it will remain closed as a tool to pressure the enemy, significantly impacting global oil markets.
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