Futures on Brent crude ( BZ=F ), the global benchmark for oil, are down more than 13.5% on the year, while futures on West Texas Intermediate crude ( CL=F ), the US benchmark, are down more than 14.5%. The US's Energy Information Administration only expects that trend to continue, forecasting that US oil production will decline by about 1% in 2026 as oil prices fall, while natural gas ( NG=F ) production will remain roughly flat. The next phase of the AI explosion is poised to create significant wealth for investors, especially those who get in early. It will add literally trillion of dollars to the economy and revolutionize nearly every part of our lives. Traders involved in crude oil price investing are monitoring refinery maintenance schedules, which could tighten product supply and lift crack spreads. Such developments usually reflect positively on integrated energy stock performance.
