2026's First Trading Day: Investors' Top 5 S&P 500 Energy Stocks Amid Venezuela Crisis

On January 5, 2026, the first trading day of the year, investors shifted their focus to energy sector stocks within the S&P 500 following the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro [1][2][3]. This geopolitical event triggered a sharp rally, as President Trump pledged to dispatch U.S. drillers to revive Venezuela’s crude output—leveraging the nation’s 303 billion barrels of proven oil reserves (the largest globally) [4].

The top 5 favored stocks, identified via pre-market trading data [0], are all energy sector leaders with ties to Venezuela:

• Schlumberger (SLB)
  : +4.74% gain (highest among the group), poised to benefit from increased drilling activity as an oilfield services provider.
• Baker Hughes (BKR)
  : +3.51% gain, another key player in oilfield services.
• ConocoPhillips (COP)
  : +3.30% gain, a potential returnee to Venezuela after assets were nationalized in 2007.
• Chevron (CVX)
  : +2.27% gain, the only U.S. oil major currently operating in Venezuela, with expected expanded operations.
• Exxon Mobil (XOM)
  : +1.92% gain, another former operator forced out in 2007, now seen as a potential beneficiary of a new regime.

Trading volumes for these stocks ran 20-50% above their 50-day averages [0], reflecting high liquidity and strong investor interest. The energy sector’s outperformance temporarily overshadowed other market trends, driven by sentiment that U.S. oil companies could gain access to Venezuela’s untapped reserves.

1. Geopolitical Events as Short-Term Catalysts
   : The Maduro capture demonstrates how geopolitical developments can quickly reshape sector performance, with energy stocks becoming the primary focus despite the new year’s limited trading activity.
2. Oilfield Services Leading the Charge
   : SLB and BKR’s larger gains highlight investor expectations that service providers will benefit first from increased drilling activity, even before production resumes.
3. Volume Surge Indicates Confidence
   : Exceeding 50-day average volumes suggests investors are acting on the event with conviction, though long-term commitments may depend on policy clarity.

• Access to Vast Reserves
  : U.S. oil companies could secure contracts to operate in Venezuela, tapping into the world’s largest proven oil reserves, potentially boosting long-term revenues.
• Oil Price Moderation
  : Increased production from Venezuela could stabilize global oil prices, benefiting energy-dependent industries.

• Political Uncertainty
  : A new Venezuelan government could reverse policies favorable to U.S. companies, creating operational risks.
• Infrastructure Challenges
  : Venezuela’s oil infrastructure is severely neglected, requiring significant capital investment to revive production.
• Regulatory Changes
  : U.S. or Venezuelan regulatory shifts could limit company participation or impose unfavorable contract terms.
• Market Volatility
  : Energy prices may fluctuate sharply based on production timelines and global demand trends.

Investors identified SLB, BKR, COP, CVX, and XOM as the top 5 S&P 500 stocks on 2026’s first trading day, driven by the Maduro capture and associated energy production optimism. Pre-market gains ranged from 1.92% to 4.74%, with above-average trading volumes indicating strong short-term interest. Decision-makers should monitor:

• Developments in Venezuela’s new government and their policies toward foreign oil companies.
• Contract details for U.S. companies operating or returning to Venezuela.
• Oil production data and global demand projections.
• Regulatory changes in the U.S. and Venezuela.