The energy sector, as measured by the XLE ETF, is trading significantly higher today due to a sharp increase in crude oil prices. [4, 5] The price surge is primarily attributed to escalating geopolitical conflicts that are fueling concerns about global oil supply disruptions. [2, 11, 15] Reports of attacks on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and Ukrainian drone strikes on major Russian oil refineries have been the main catalysts. [1, 2] West Texas Intermediate crude rose above $104 a barrel, directly boosting the outlook for oil and gas company profitability.