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

Can This 6.3% Yield Survive if Oil Crashes Again?

Energy Transfer offers an attractive 6.3% yield as a master limited partnership, but investors should consider whether its distribution can survive another energy downturn. The company cut its distribution in half during the 2020 energy crisis, though it has since strengthened its balance sheet with improved debt-to-EBITDA ratios. The article compares Energy Transfer to Enterprise Products Partners, suggesting Energy Transfer is riskier but potentially more rewarding for aggressive income investors.

08/22/2026, 3:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Why Shell and the Other Oil Majors Aren't Price Gouging

Oil majors Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron are facing accusations of price gouging from politicians amid elevated energy prices and strong profits. However, the article argues these companies don't control oil prices—the market does. Oil and gasoline are commodities, and energy companies' profits naturally rise and fall with market prices. The article recommends investing in integrated energy majors for portfolio diversification and attractive dividend yields.

08/22/2026, 10:15 AM • The Motley Fool

This Energy Stock Pays an 8% Dividend, and Nobody's Talking About It

Hess Midstream (HESM) is an overlooked energy stock offering a 7.7% dividend yield with a 37-quarter streak of consecutive dividend increases. The midstream operator benefits from a long-term relationship with Chevron, providing stable cash flows and supporting its 5% annualized dividend growth target through 2028. The company also pursues share buybacks and debt reduction, offering attractive income potential for dividend investors.

08/21/2026, 4:05 PM • 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

All It Takes Is $5,000 Invested in Each of These 3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Generate Over $800 in Yearly Dividends

The article recommends three high-yield dividend stocks that can generate over $800 in annual income from a $15,000 investment ($5,000 each). Realty Income offers a 5.2% yield with 31 years of consecutive dividend increases, Verizon provides a 5.9% yield with 19 years of consecutive increases, and Enbridge delivers a 5.5% yield with 31 years of consecutive increases. All three stocks are positioned as reliable income generators with consistent dividend growth.

08/21/2026, 11:05 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

Chevron Just Paid Down $8.4 Billion in Debt. Should You Invest $500 in the Stock Right Now?

Chevron reduced its debt by a record $8.4 billion in Q2, improving its net debt-to-cash flow ratio from 1.3x to 0.6x. The company maintained strong shareholder returns with $6.5 billion in buybacks and dividends while demonstrating financial prudence amid high interest rates. This debt reduction positions Chevron competitively against rivals ExxonMobil and Shell, making it worth investor consideration.

08/12/2026, 4:05 PM • The Motley Fool

This Buffett Oil Stock Is Quietly Outperforming Chevron Under Greg Abel. Is It Worth Buying Now?

Occidental Petroleum has surged 36% since Greg Abel became Berkshire Hathaway's CEO in January, outperforming Chevron and the S&P 500. The rally was driven by U.S.-Iran tensions and crude oil price spikes. However, recent muted performance raises questions about sustainability. Future gains depend heavily on another crude oil price surge, particularly when China replenishes its strategic reserves, making Oxy a more volatile bet compared to Chevron's more stable outlook.

08/11/2026, 3:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Forget Oil Majors: This Midstream Stock Pays a Better Dividend

Enterprise Products Partners (EPD), a midstream energy company, offers a superior dividend yield of 5.8% compared to oil majors Chevron (3.7%) and ExxonMobil (2.6%). The company's fee-based business model shields it from commodity price volatility, with 80% of gross operating margin derived from fees. EPD has raised its distribution for 28 consecutive years and reported record Q2 EBITDA of $2.8 billion, supported by strong U.S. energy demand.

08/11/2026, 2:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Why Chevron Stock Popped on Monday

Chevron raised its 2026 production forecast to 4-4.1 million barrels per day while reducing capital spending to ~$18 billion, positioning the company for significant free cash flow growth. The company anticipates generating approximately $29.1 billion in free cash flow for 2026, a 75% year-over-year increase, driven by higher oil prices amid Middle East geopolitical tensions and increased production with lower capital expenditures.

08/10/2026, 10:30 AM • The Motley Fool

3 Energy Stocks With Dividends That Have Never Been Cut

Three energy stocks have maintained uncut dividends despite volatile oil and gas prices: Chevron has raised dividends for 39 consecutive years with a 3.8% yield, Enbridge operates a stable midstream pipeline business with 31 years of consecutive dividend increases and a 5.4% yield, and EOG Resources has never cut its dividend since going public in 1999 with a 3% forward yield and nine consecutive years of increases.

08/10/2026, 8:05 AM • The Motley Fool

2 Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy in August for Steady Income

The energy sector has led all S&P 500 sectors with a 32.7% gain year-to-date. Energy Transfer and Chevron are recommended as dividend stocks offering above-average yields. Energy Transfer, a pipeline operator, offers a 6.5% yield with 19 consecutive quarterly dividend increases, while Chevron, a fully integrated energy company, provides a 3.67% yield with 39 consecutive years of dividend increases.

08/05/2026, 6:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Greg Abel Hasn't Touched Berkshire's Energy Holdings. Is That a Signal?

Since becoming CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Greg Abel has significantly reshuffled the investment portfolio but notably left energy holdings untouched, including major stakes in Chevron and Occidental Petroleum, plus the wholly-owned Berkshire Hathaway Energy utility. This inaction may signal Abel's confidence in energy's value, particularly given rising electricity demand from AI and data centers, though the article cautions against reading too much into non-moves.

08/04/2026, 8:27 AM • The Motley Fool

"Too Much Money:" President Trump Just Lashed Out at ExxonMobil and Chevron for Windfall Profits, Warns Both Companies They Should "Give Some of That Back."

President Trump criticized ExxonMobil and Chevron for posting massive Q2 windfall profits driven by the Iran war and surging oil prices, demanding they lower consumer gas prices and 'give some of that back' to the public. However, the article explains that individual oil companies cannot unilaterally control prices due to interconnected supply chains and long-term contracts, and that resolving the Iran conflict would be the most effective way to reduce oil prices.

08/03/2026, 9:12 PM • The Motley Fool