Sector Update: Energy Stocks Gain Late Afternoon

03:57 PM EDT, 10/30/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were higher late Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index rising 1.2% and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) adding 1.3%. The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index was fractionally lower, and the Dow Jones US Utilities Index was rising 0.8%. In geopolitical news, a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was hit Friday by explosive devices attached by a small boat, Reuters reported, citing the UK Maritime Trade Operations. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, according to the report. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militants said Thursday they attacked several sites in Saudi Arabia, including its largest oil refinery, CNBC reported. Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose 1.9% to $103.94 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract advanced 2.4% to $117.64 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures fell 1.9% to $2.90 per 1 million BTU. In corporate news, Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) reported Q3 adjusted earnings above Wall Street's estimates on Friday, driven by strong refining margins. Separately, Exxon CEO Darren Woods told CNBC Friday the company expects to invest over $100 billion between 2027 and 2030 across its businesses to help boost global energy supplies, with 10% going toward its refining business. Exxon shares rose 1.9%, and Chevron added 1.8%. BP (BP) CEO Meg O'Neill categorically denied conversations about breaking up the company, reaffirming the importance of its integrated oil and gas business during the company's Q3 earnings call Friday. BP shares were up 0.1%. Dominion Energy (D) shares added 2.2% after it reported Q3 adjusted earnings and revenue Friday that rose year on year and beat analyst estimates. Valero Energy's (VLO) Valero Refining-Texas unit signed a definitive deal to acquire LYB Houston Hub from a LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) subsidiary for $320.5 million, according to a Friday statement. Valero shares rose 3.6%.