VDE is trading at $193.88, up 3.15%, as energy shares outperformed amid Brent crude’s climb above $115 per barrel. - Middle East conflict and renewed U.S.-Iran tensions heightened supply-disruption concerns. - Reports of tanker incidents around the Strait of Hormuz and threats to Saudi energy infrastructure added a risk premium to oil. - Major oil producers advanced while broader markets were mixed to lower, making the commodity-driven sector move the clearer catalyst.