After leading the markets for much of the first half of the year, energy stocks tapered off from mid-May through the start of July as a tenuous agreement between Iran and the United States helped normalize oil prices. But tensions in the Middle East have once again flared up, with the two countries exchanging missile fire and conflicting statements about maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
I downgrade iShares Global Energy ETF to "Hold," citing disappointing price action despite bullish geopolitical conditions. IXC's valuation remains attractive at a 10.3x P/E and a 1.0x PEG, with a high 3.1% yield. Concentration risk is notable, with XOM and CVX making up over 25% of the portfolio.
Energy sits in an unusual spot right now: it is paying real income while also producing the kind of capital gains that growth investors chase.
The iShares Global Energy ETF (NYSEARCA:IXC) pays a semi-annual distribution that swings between feast and famine depending on crude oil prices.
I see further price appreciation for both oil and natural gas, which will give a boost to energy ETFs. IXC has outperformed the broader market amid the recent Middle East conflict, validating my bullish stance. The fund tracks global energy equities, offering diversified exposure to the sector's upside.
Supply risks and stalled diplomacy may keep oil prices higher. Check these energy ETFs to ride the upside.
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IXC hits a 52-week high, surging 63.7% from its low, as rising oil prices and Middle East tensions fuel momentum in the energy ETF.
I previously issued a 'buy' rating on IXC in mid-2025, citing sector rebound potential and global diversification. I don't believe the market will be over-saturated with crude in 2026, and that suggests to me that prices will move higher, as the current consensus is negative for crude. The fund's global exposure will help it outperform US-only funds in my view, as I feel the USD will weaken and developed markets will offer alpha.
I position iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) as a hold due to mixed macro signals and elevated sector breadth. IXC's performance is highly sensitive to Brent prices, the US dollar, and 10-year Treasury yields, creating conflicting near-term drivers. The ETF's portfolio is dominated by integrated oil majors and upstream exposure, with a 3.48% SEC yield and 0.40% expense ratio.
IXC is a passively managed global energy sector ETF, which I evaluate for its current investment appeal. My previous cautious outlook on IXC has been validated, as the fund has notably underperformed the broader equity market. I see a contrarian opportunity in this fund as expectations are low and crude oil prices are depressed enough that I think the next move will be higher.
IXC is a buy due to its low P/E, high cash flow, and emerging price momentum despite falling oil prices. The ETF has a diversified global portfolio, with significant exposure to large-cap value stocks, particularly Exxon Mobil and Chevron. IXC's technicals show a bullish rounded bottom pattern, with shares above key moving averages and positive RSI momentum.