ConocoPhillips to Buy Shale Rival Concho for $9.7 Billion

The all-stock transaction would be the largest U.S. oil deal since the pandemic began roiling energy markets, as companies seek to bulk up to ride out weak demand and low prices. 


 
Oil struggles for direction as coronavirus cases accelerate, Libya boosts output

Oil futures trade near unchanged as investors monitor accelerating COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and Europe, while a meeting of an OPEC+ committee will be closely watched by investors for clues to any further steps by major producers on the supply front. 


 
Venezuelan Opposition Loses Bond Ruling, Endangering Citgo

A U.S. judge said bondholders have valid claims over Venezuela's prized oil refiner Citgo, dealing a blow to the country's U.S.-backed opposition leaders and putting the company at heightened risk of a forced takeover. 


 
Apollo Bets on Royalty Financing to Unlock More Renewable-Energy Deals

Apollo Global Management is betting that a popular form of oil and gas financing-royalty investing-can help it expand its reach in the renewable-energy sector. 


 
U.S. Oil-Rig Count Rises in Week

The number of rigs drilling for oil in the U.S. rose by 12 in the latest week to 205, according to oil-field services firm Baker Hughes. 


 
CFTC Votes to Pass Final Rule on Position Limits

The move affects the size of speculators' bets in markets for commodities including gold, cattle and crude oil. 


 
Nigeria's Army Says It Is Ready to Step In to Quell Protests

The military in West Africa's biggest oil-producing nation said it was prepared to act decisively to help the government maintain law and order, after eight days of demonstrations against police brutality. 


 
U.S. Oil and Fuel Inventories Fall Sharply

U.S. inventories of crude oil fell more than expected, while gasoline and diesel inventories also declined sharply, according to data released Thursday by the Energy Information Administration. 


 
Coal Finds a Surprising 2020 Bright Spot in Europe

Power plants started to burn more thermal coal over the summer and fall, responding to a steep rise in the price of natural gas. 


 
Divestment Campaigns Move Beyond Oil

The campaign to divest fossil-fuel stocks has picked up speed in recent years and hit investors where it hurts. The next targets aren't so easy to identify.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-19-20 1115ET