U.S. energy stocks advanced in premarket trading on Monday after a pronounced rise in crude oil futures. Brent crude futures increased 3% to $104.3 per barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures gained 3.2% to $98.40 per barrel.
Oil prices were driven higher after President Donald Trump characterized Iran's response to a U.S. peace proposal as "unacceptable." That remark heightened concerns about potential supply interruptions, with the Strait of Hormuz reported as largely closed and global markets remaining tight.
The move in crude translated into across-the-board gains among energy names in early trading. Integrated oil majors showed modest increases, with Chevron (NYSE:CVX) up 1% and Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) rising about 1% in premarket activity.
Exploration and production companies posted larger percentage advances. APA Corp (NASDAQ:APA), SM Energy (NYSE:SM), Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) and Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) each rose in a range between 1.5% and 2.6%.
Service providers to the oil industry also participated in the rally. Liberty Energy (NYSE:LBRT) increased 1% while Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) advanced 1.8% in early trading.
Refiners showed positive moves as well, with Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) climbing 1% and Marathon Petroleum (NYSE:MPC) up 1.4% in the premarket session.
The sequence of price action began with the jump in crude futures and was reinforced by geopolitical commentary that suggested elevated supply risk. With the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, market participants interpreted the developments as a factor tightening available oil flows and supporting higher benchmarks.
These early-session gains span multiple segments of the energy complex - integrated majors, upstream producers, oilfield services and downstream refiners - reflecting the broad sensitivity of energy equities to rapid moves in oil prices driven by geopolitical developments.
Market context note: The price moves and stock responses described above reflect premarket trading on Monday and the immediate reaction to the reported geopolitical developments and presidential comment.