Which Energy ETF Is a Better Buy: Broad Vanguard Fund or Concentrated XLE?

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) both provide energy sector exposure with nearly identical 1-year returns of ~54%, but differ significantly in portfolio concentration. XLE focuses on 21 large-cap energy stocks with a slightly lower expense ratio (0.08% vs 0.09%), while VDE offers broader diversification with 112 holdings including mid-cap and small-cap companies. The choice depends on investor preference: XLE for concentrated exposure to major producers, or VDE for a more resilient, diversified energy bet.

08/23/2026, 1:04 AM • The Motley Fool

Iraq Wants to More Than Double Its Oil Output in Six Years. Here's What It Means for Chevron.

Iraq aims to increase oil production to 8-10 million barrels per day within six years, more than doubling pre-war levels. Chevron signed memorandums of understanding to operate two major Iraqi oil fields—West Qurna 2 and Nassiriya—positioning it to play a crucial role in Iraq's expansion plans. While this presents significant long-term growth opportunities, it also exposes Chevron to geopolitical risks, particularly dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for exports.

08/21/2026, 11:30 AM • The Motley Fool

2 Vanguard Funds to Buy and Hold for Long-Term Safety and Dividends

The article recommends two Vanguard ETFs for long-term investors seeking dividend income and stability: the Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU), which offers a 2.71% dividend yield and invests in utility companies, and the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE), which has surged 41% in 2026 and pays a 2.25% yield. Both funds charge minimal 0.09% expense ratios and provide portfolio diversification through exposure to quality companies in their respective sectors.

08/18/2026, 2:02 PM • The Motley Fool

OPEC+ Is About to Pause Oil Output Hikes. Here's What It Means for Oil Stocks.

OPEC+ is expected to pause production increases after September, maintaining current output levels through year-end. This pause could keep crude prices elevated as global markets rebuild stockpiles disrupted by Strait of Hormuz tensions. The decision may also prompt Iraq to leave OPEC, potentially benefiting U.S. oil companies with operations there like Chevron and ConocoPhillips.

07/28/2026, 1:10 PM • The Motley Fool

For Energy Investors, Is a Traditional Energy ETF a Better Bet Than Clean Energy?

The article compares State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), which focuses on traditional fossil fuels, with iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN), which invests in renewable energy companies. XLE offers lower fees (0.08% vs 0.39%), higher dividend yield (2.60% vs 1.00%), and lower volatility, while ICLN provides greater diversification and exposure to the growing renewable energy sector. The author recommends ICLN for long-term investors who can tolerate near-term volatility, citing the macro trend toward renewable energy and superior 10-year returns.

07/25/2026, 12:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Is an Oil & Gas ETF or a Solar Stock Fund the Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two energy ETFs: XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) focusing on traditional oil and gas, and TAN (Invesco Solar ETF) focusing on solar energy. XLE offers lower costs (0.08% vs 0.7% expense ratio) and better recent performance (13% and 18.9% over 3 and 5 years), while TAN delivered stronger 10-year returns (11.8% vs 8.9%) but with significantly higher volatility. The author recommends TAN for long-term investors who can tolerate short-term volatility, citing solar's irreversible long-term growth trajectory.

07/25/2026, 12:03 PM • The Motley Fool

Vanguard Energy vs Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure: Which ETF Is Delivering Profits From Rising Energy Costs?

The article compares two energy ETFs: Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) with a 0.09% expense ratio focusing on broad energy producers, and Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) with a 0.45% expense ratio targeting midstream infrastructure. While VDE offers lower costs and broader diversification with 111 holdings, MLPX provides higher dividend yields (4% vs 2.7%) and superior long-term performance, making it the recommended choice for capitalizing on higher energy prices in 2026.

07/09/2026, 2:23 PM • The Motley Fool

ConocoPhillips or Occidental Petroleum: Which Oil Stock Should You Buy Now?

The article compares two major oil producers: ConocoPhillips, a globally diversified company with strong financials and cash flow projections, and Occidental Petroleum, which is pivoting toward carbon capture technologies after divesting its chemical business. The author recommends ConocoPhillips due to its lower debt, higher returns on capital, and reliable dividend payments, despite acknowledging both companies' potential.

07/01/2026, 3:24 PM • The Motley Fool

Shell Sees Global LNG Demand Surging 65% By 2050 Despite a War-Driven Slowdown in 2026. Here's What Investors Need to Know.

Shell projects global LNG demand will grow 65% by 2050, though a war-driven closure of the Strait of Hormuz will cause demand to flatten in 2026 before resuming growth in 2027. Major energy companies including Shell, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips are investing in new LNG capacity to meet projected demand, particularly from Asian markets.

06/30/2026, 1:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Energy ETFs VDE and EMLP Differ on Cost and Approach

Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) offer different approaches to energy sector investing. VDE provides low-cost, broad exposure to traditional oil and gas majors with a 0.09% expense ratio, while EMLP focuses on energy infrastructure and utilities with a higher 0.95% expense ratio. Over the past year, VDE returned 30.0% compared to EMLP's 21.4%, though both have underperformed the S&P 500 over the decade.

06/29/2026, 7:10 PM • The Motley Fool

4 ETFs Worth Loading Up on and Holding for the Long Haul

The article recommends four ETFs for long-term portfolio holdings, emphasizing the importance of low expense ratios and smart portfolio construction. The recommended funds are: Vanguard Growth ETF (concentrated in AI infrastructure), Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (quality dividend stocks), Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (international diversification), and Vanguard Energy ETF (inflation hedge and cyclical exposure).

06/28/2026, 5:05 AM • The Motley Fool

2 Oil Stocks Still Worth Buying With Oil Down to $70 a Barrel

Despite crude oil falling to $70 per barrel, ConocoPhillips and BP remain attractive investment opportunities due to their low structural costs, strong dividend yields, disciplined capital allocation, and complementary business models. Both companies are well-positioned to benefit from future global oil reserve restocking efforts.

06/27/2026, 11:30 AM • The Motley Fool

ConocoPhillips vs. Viper Energy: Which Energy Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares ConocoPhillips and Viper Energy as investment options for 2026. ConocoPhillips, a global independent E&P company, is recommended as the better choice due to its diversified operations, stronger financial performance ($61.6B revenue, $8.0B net income in FY2025), lower valuation (10.6x Forward P/E), and dividend payments of $3.30 per share. Viper Energy, a mineral and royalty company focused on the Permian Basin, offers a capital-light model but faces challenges including a $68M net loss in 2025, heavy dependence on operator Diamondback Energy, and no dividend, though analysts project a recovery with $500M+ net income expected in 2026.

06/19/2026, 10:12 AM • The Motley Fool

This Top Oil Stock Expects an Unlikely Source to Help It Double Its Free Cash Flow by 2029.

ConocoPhillips is betting on its $9 billion Willow project in Alaska's North Slope to drive significant cash flow growth. The company expects $7 billion in incremental free cash flow by 2029, with $4 billion coming from Willow production and $3 billion from cost-reduction measures. This could support dividend growth and share buybacks, though projections depend on crude oil staying above $70 per barrel.

06/16/2026, 2:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Why ConocoPhillips Stock Dropped Today

Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday (Brent crude down 3%, WTI down 3.5%) after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are rising significantly, suggesting global oil supplies may be less tight than previously thought. However, ConocoPhillips stock only declined about 2.2%, outperforming the broader oil market decline. The author expresses skepticism about sustained price relief due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

06/09/2026, 3:37 PM • The Motley Fool