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Oil Falls Below $80: Could Exxon and Phillips 66 Be Buys?

Brent and WTI crude fell below $80 per barrel after President Trump said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen as soon as Friday. The decline may create a buying opportunity for Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Phillips 66 (PSX).

June 16, 2026
2 min read
Source: Barrons.com
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Key Numbers

Brent crude price
below $80
WTI price
below $80

Oil prices fell again, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropping below the $80 per barrel mark, following President Donald Trump's statement that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen as early as Friday. This development triggered a sell-off in energy markets but may present a buying opportunity for major oil stocks like Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Phillips 66 (PSX).

Reasons for the Decline

Trump's Remarks on the Strait of Hormuz

President Trump indicated that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, could be reopened soon. This eased supply disruption fears, pushing prices lower.

Weak Global Demand

Beyond geopolitical factors, concerns about weak global oil demand, particularly from China and Europe, continue to weigh on prices.

Context

Energy Stock Performance

Exxon Mobil (XOM) shares fell 2.5% over the past week, while Phillips 66 (PSX) dropped 3.1%. However, some analysts believe the current decline may be overdone.

Similar Moves in the Sector

Other energy stocks like Chevron (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) also saw modest declines.

What It Means for Investors

The drop in oil prices below $80 could be a buying opportunity for long-term investors, given sustained global energy demand. However, caution is warranted due to ongoing geopolitical volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to President Trump's remarks that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen soon, easing supply disruption fears.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.