[Investing Insights Daily]( January 12th, 2024 SPONSOR [Make 2024 the year you take control of your investments.]( Full-spectrum financial planning means more than just thinking about retirement. At Datalign Advisory, our free service will connect you with an advisor with expertise in estate planning, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing, tax planning, and insurance. [Get started now.]( [Predicting the 2024 Energy Stock Gainers: XOM vs. VLO]( Yesterday, oil prices [surged by 1%]( following Iranâs seizure of an oil tanker near Omanâs coast, intensifying concerns over heightened Middle East tensions. Brent futures climbed 61 cents to $77.41 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 65 cents, settling at $72.02, indicating potential geopolitical risks. Anticipating a future surge in oil prices, I examined two energy stocks, Exxon Mobil Corporation ([XOM]( – [Get Rating]( and Valero Energy Corporation ([VLO]( – [Get Rating]( to ascertain which holds greater potential for superior gains in 2024. Prior to evaluating these stocks, letâs delve into the factors influencing oil prices. In the Middle East, Iran retaliated by seizing a tanker carrying Iraqi crude bound for Turkey in response to last yearâs U.S. confiscation of the same vessel and its oil. The seizure of the Marshall Islands-flagged St. Nikolas aligns with ongoing attacks by Yemenâs Iran-backed Houthi militias, focusing on Red Sea shipping routes. This week, Yemenâs Houthi rebels executed their most extensive assault on commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea. In a pivotal naval confrontation, the British and U.S. navies intercepted a substantial barrage of drones and missiles, effectively securing the safety of the Red Sea shipping routes. The Iranian-backed Houthis [launched an attack]( despite the imminent United Nations Security Council vote, aiming to condemn and demand an immediate cessation of their assaults. The rebels assert that their actions target Israelâs offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Oil prices surged in response as the United States warned Houthi militants against further Red Sea attacks, and OPEC pledged to maintain unity in supporting prices. Simultaneously, [protests in Libya]( prompted the closure of the Sharara oil field, which is responsible for a daily output of 300,000 barrels. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that mounting tensions in the pivotal Red Sea shipping channel and other Middle East developments have been applying [upward pressure on prices]( since early December. Should these tensions endure or escalate, there exists the possibility of… Continue reading at [STOCKNEWS.com]( NOTE: If URLs do not appear as live links in your e-mail program, please cut and paste the full URL into the location or address field of your browser. [Privacy Policy]( | [Terms & Conditions]( This email contains a paid advertisement.This is not a solicitation for the purchase or sale of securities. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence, and/or obtain professional advice, prior to making any investment decision. Advertisements and sponsorships are provided as a service to Stock News users. Stock News is not responsible for their content, services or products. The statements and opinions contained in this advertisement are not those of Stock News, and Stock News disclaims any liability for or arising from such statements and opinions. You are hereby advised that Stock News is receiving a fee as compensation for the distribution of this advertisement. [Click here to unsubscribe]( Copyright © 2024 Investing Insights Daily News, part of StockNews.com - POWR Stock Rating, Market Outlook & Investment Insights Magnifi Communities, 1 Penn Plaza, Suite 3910, New York, NY 10019