Author: Graham Foster

As 2026 kicks off, retail investors are shifting their focus toward defense, energy, and precious metals. This change comes in response to the ongoing geopolitical unrest stemming from developments in Iran, Venezuela, and President Donald Trump’s ambitions in Greenland. U.S. oil giants Chevron and ExxonMobil are garnering significant attention, especially after Trump’s bold move to challenge Venezuela’s leadership. Investors in the UK are particularly keen on these stocks as they consider opportunities in Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest oil reserves. A trading provider, IG, reported that transactions for Chevron surged to twenty times the average in the first week…

Oil Market Focus on Trump’s Leadership Amidst Venezuela and Iran Issues Greetings from New York! In the oil trading world, attention is fixed on President Donald Trump as he navigates challenges in Venezuela and Iran. Recently, Trump reassured markets by suggesting that violence in Iran is decreasing, easing fears of possible military action. His statements led to a drop in oil prices after a period of increases driven by supply concerns. Brent crude, which had reached $66.52, saw a decline of over a dollar early Thursday as trading began in Asia. In the meantime, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is…

A Year of Change in Energy Policy Under Trump As Donald Trump completes a year of his second term, his influence is notable. However, his efforts to reshape the energy landscape are facing significant challenges. Major oil companies like ExxonMobil are hesitating to follow his directives, particularly when it comes to increased activity in Venezuela. Recent court decisions also hinder federal attempts to promote clean energy projects. Despite a drop in investments in green energy linked to the administration’s shift, the long-term trend toward renewable energy is still progressing. Renewable Energy: A Resilient Trend Trump has promised to boost fossil…

Mitsubishi Corporation is set to make headlines with its latest acquisition, purchasing Aethon Energy, the biggest privately held shale gas producer in the U.S., for $7.5 billion, which includes the company’s debt. This transaction represents the largest acquisition in the history of the trading house, known to have ties with Warren Buffett. The buying deal will allow Mitsubishi to obtain Aethon, which currently produces about 2.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily from the Haynesville basin, located in Texas and Louisiana. This move aims to strengthen energy supply, particularly as new technologies, like artificial intelligence, require more power. Given…

On Friday, the Trump administration, along with a bipartisan group of governors, asked the largest wholesale electricity market in the country to conduct a special “emergency” auction. This auction aims to create new power sources for data centers, which have been rapidly growing in demand. They requested that the PJM Interconnection hold the auction, allowing data center owners to bid on long-term power purchase agreements lasting 15 years. This move represents a significant shift from the typical operations of the grid operator. The Department of Energy noted that this initiative could facilitate up to $15 billion in new power plants.…

Energy Source Newsletter: Key Updates from London Hello and welcome to another edition of our Energy Source newsletter, bringing you insights directly from London. The energy sector is currently processing recent developments from the UK Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves aimed to address a pressing concern that’s being felt globally: the rising energy bills. By shifting some costs onto taxation and discontinuing a vital energy efficiency program, she managed to lessen typical electricity bills by around £150. This approach, which includes temporary subsidies for older wind and solar farms funded through taxes, has been positively received. Advocates believe it promotes a…

The U.S. power industry is experiencing a significant transformation, impacting both how energy is generated and how retail energy providers (REPs) interact with their customers. Over the past decade, the energy landscape has shifted gradually, but now a powerful change is taking shape. This new era features a cleaner energy mix, increased reliance on electricity due to digital advancements, and customers who expect their energy providers to align with their values. REPs are now faced with a dual challenge: they need to create a supply portfolio that can handle fluctuations in energy availability and prices, while also ensuring that this…

Nuclear fusion has challenged scientists for years as they seek a way to produce unlimited energy. The path to this goal is not just about scientific research; it involves complex business maneuvers as well. Recently, President Donald Trump’s family business has plans to buy TAE Technologies, sparking curiosity among investors. Determining the value of Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) after this merger will be a journey into uncharted territory. This company, which operates a modest advertising business and holds bitcoin, has not attracted much interest from analysts. In fact, companies with a similar market value—between $3 billion and $5…

In a recent courtroom appearance, Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to various charges, including drug trafficking, marking a significant moment in a country long plagued by political and economic turmoil. The backdrop of this legal drama positions Venezuela’s oil reserves—a staggering 300 billion barrels, the largest globally—at the center of ongoing U.S. strategies. The potential for American companies to invest in Venezuela’s oil industry has opened doors for U.S. drillers, especially in light of plans by the Trump administration to revitalize the country’s energy sector. This initiative is likely motivated by a desire to shift control of…

The head of one of Europe’s biggest grid operators has raised concerns about numerous unprepared projects delaying essential energy grid connections. Bernard Gustin, CEO of Elia Group, a company that manages the Belgian and parts of the German grid, suggested that network operators should prioritize connections for projects that are ready to go instead of those who apply first. “In Belgium, we have many more projects than needed until 2030,” he stated, specifically mentioning battery storage projects. By shifting the selection process from “first come, first served” to “first ready, first served,” operators can focus on serious projects that are…