11 Oversold Energy Stocks You Can Buy Right Now

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In this article, we discuss 11 oversold energy stocks you can buy right now. To skip the detailed analysis of the energy industry, go directly to the 5 Oversold Energy Stocks You Can Buy Right Now.

The energy sector recently experienced some of the most eventful and volatile years. However, from pandemic lows to Russia-Ukraine war highs, one thing remains constant, which is the global transition toward renewable energy due to the climate crisis. In our article about the fastest growing energy companies in the US, we reported that global energy investments rose to $2.8 trillion in 2023, and over 60% of those investments were made toward the renewable energy industry. This puts a bullish view on renewables because these investments were made despite the high borrowing rates. If the Federal Reserve decides to cut interest rates early, the investments could increase significantly.

Conventional energy or fossil fuels have been highly affected by geopolitical tensions around the world, including the war in the Middle East, which puts sector analysts in a tough spot. In 2022, oil majors such as Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE), and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) posted record profits, which dropped significantly in 2023. Nevertheless, the companies still managed to rack up billions, especially in the third quarter of the year due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia and OPEC’s announcement of production cuts. 

Recent Performance of ETFs and Energy Outlook

From an investing point of view, fossil fuel stocks have outperformed renewable energy stocks by a wide margin since the latter hit their peak in 2021. Fossil fuels were the obvious winners of 2022. Furthermore, despite the declining oil prices and market downswings, fossil fuel companies remained strong compared to renewable energy companies. Even with large amounts of investments in the industry, the high interest rates still made a bear case for renewables in 2023. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) declined nearly 21.5% in the year, and Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) showed declines of over 22%. Compared to that, the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) was down by 4.15%.

Judging by the first two months of 2024, the fossil fuel industry is making progress while renewables are on a downward path. As of March 13, ICLN and PBW are down by 11% and 22.42% year-to-date, respectively. On the other hand, the XLE is up by 7.29%.

According to the US Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) short-term energy outlook (STEO) posted in February, crude oil prices may show strength in the first half of 2024. In January, Brent Crude prices averaged $80 per barrel, and EIA expects it to rise to the mid-80s range over the next few months. EIA expects downward pressures on oil prices in the second quarter of the year due to an increase in global oil inventories. However, the Red Sea attacks by Yemen's Houthis could potentially drive the prices higher. The attacks’ latest victim was a British-owned MV Rubymar vessel, which was carrying fertilizers, as reported by the BBC on March 3. After the destruction of the vessel, Yemen’s deputy foreign minister posted on X (formerly Twitter) that they would “continue to sink more British ships.”