This week, the energy sector took a hit, with the S&P energy index plummeting 3.36% - the worst performer in the S&P 500. This slump coincides with a 6.85% drop in WTI oil prices. A combination of factors is to blame, including worries about slowing economic growth, rising US oil production, and receding fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. In stark contrast, clean energy ETFs have bucked the trend, emerging as pockets of growth in an otherwise volatile energy landscape.
Easing Middle East Tensions and Economic Outlooks
Hope for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is easing oil supply concerns, although a deal remains elusive. This, combined with fears of slowing economic growth and reports of robust US stockpiles and production, is pressuring crude oil prices downward.
OPEC+ and Its Strategic Moves
Adding another layer to the mix, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) are contemplating the extension of their current production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day beyond the end-June deadline, especially if demand does not pick up. If the cartel extended production cuts, it could signal tighter markets later in 2024.
ETFs Reflect Sector-Wide Trends
The recent downturn in oil prices has had a clear effect on the Energy and Crude Oil ETF groups, experiencing average weekly losses of 3.25% and 6.34% respectively. However, amidst this turbulence, Clean Energy ETFs have thrived, boasting gains of 2.71%. This positive momentum coincides with Federal Reserve Chairman Powell's reassuring remarks, which allayed concerns regarding potential rate hikes. As a result, the US 10-year Treasury yield saw a notable decrease of 16 basis points over the week, falling from 4.66% to 4.50%. This shift marks a significant departure from the preceding month's pattern of almost uninterrupted ascent.
At the single ETF level, the disparity in performance remains evident. The iShares S&P 500 Energy Sector UCITS ETF (IUES), with assets above 1 billion euros, witnessed a 3.90% decline over the week. On the flip side, the iShares Global Clean Energy UCITS ETF (DNRG) enjoyed a gain of 3.94%, epitomizing the burgeoning investor interest in clean energy alternatives. That said, the road will be long to recover from the double-digit losses suffered since the beginning of the year.