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Energy ETFs rally as oil prices stay above $100
Energy ETFs XOP, IEO, and CRAK have returned 45% to 69% year to date, as oil benchmarks trade well above $100 after Middle East disruptions.
Energy has been a dominant corner of US markets in 2026, with MarketBeat Ratings linking the move to supply disruptions tied to the Iran conflict, refining margins, and a broader geopolitical shift that is continuing to affect oil flows.
As a result of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi pipeline activity, millions of barrels per day that normally move through the region have been slowed or stopped, contributing to a major supply shock. Both Brent and WTI have traded above $100 in September, up sharply from the roughly $70 range at the start of the year.
The outlet highlights that energy ETFs have delivered strong performance across different strategies, with returns of at least 40% year to date for funds including XOP, IEO, and CRAK. MarketBeat Ratings notes that XOP reached its highest level in more than 11 years in September, supported by its modified equal weight approach that leans toward smaller exploration and production companies.
MarketBeat Ratings also describes how individual parts of the oil value chain have benefited differently, with refiners approaching record highs over the summer while other segments have not seen the same gains. It adds that XOP has 53 holdings and includes a modest portion of small-cap names, and that the E&P focus can make the fund a potential source of income through dividends as well as price gains.
Latest closeWTI crude $95.27 ▲3.4%|Brent $100.98 ▼2.0%