Crude oil has stumbled into 2025, with prices tumbling more than 10% year to date. Earlier this week, benchmarks dipped below $60 a barrel — a level not seen since 2021 — amid mounting concerns over a potential global recession. Weighing further on sentiment, OPEC+ caught markets off guard by accelerating the rollback of production cuts. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia deepened the sell-off by slashing its official selling prices, intensifying pressure on an already fragile market.
Yet, in a sharp reversal, oil prices jumped nearly $3 a barrel on Wednesday. The rebound was fueled by a broader market rally sparked by President Trump’s move to delay “reciprocal” tariff increases and introduce a temporary 10% tariff rate for most countries over a 90-day period.
This volatility highlights the deep uncertainty surrounding oil’s supply-demand dynamics. Energy companies remain heavily exposed to commodity swings, and shifting political winds or headline-driven shocks can quickly reshape the outlook. In this environment, careful stock selection becomes increasingly important.
For newer investors, the sector’s volatility can be daunting — but not without opportunity. Stocks like Expand Energy EXE, Flotek Industries FTK and Solaris Energy Infrastructure SEI may offer stability amid the chaos. With each currently holding a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy), brokers’ positive outlooks suggest strong underlying fundamentals that could reward patient investors.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Navigating the ups and downs of oil prices can be daunting for individual investors. With so many unpredictable forces influencing the commodity’s direction, relying on expert analysis may offer a more grounded approach. Analysts bring in-depth industry knowledge and a close understanding of company fundamentals — giving them a sharper view of which stocks are poised to perform.
Market reactions often follow brokerage rating changes. Upgrades tend to spark investor interest and can drive prices higher, while downgrades may signal potential trouble ahead. In fact, research consistently shows that stocks receiving broker upgrades often outperform their peers — and certainly do better than those on the downgrade list. Following expert sentiment isn’t just about playing it safe; it can be a strategic way to stay ahead.
With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have selected three stocks that have been given a Strong Buy or Buy rating by 75% or more brokers.
