<div id="readability-page-1">02:04 PM EST, 12/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks rose Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index adding 0.8% and the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) up 0.2%.The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector Index was climbing 1.1%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities Index was shedding 0.4%.Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil was rising 1.2% to $56.80 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract was advancing 1.1% to $60.46 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures rose 1.8% to $3.98 per 1 million BTU.In corporate news, Peabody Energy ( BTU ) is entering a transition phase as Chief Executive James Grech approaches retirement eligibility. Grech will remain CEO until May 15, 2028, while the board searches for his successor, the company said Friday in a regulatory filing. Peabody shares climbed 2.8%.Energy Fuels ( UUUU ) shares jumped past 7% after it said Friday that its high-purity dysprosium oxide has passed all initial quality control benchmarks set by a major South Korean automotive manufacturer for downstream rare earth permanent magnet production.Petroleo Brasileiro (PBR) shares added 0.6% after the company said it signed new long-term commercial contracts with Braskem ( BAK ) ahead of the expiration of existing agreements. MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.</div>

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Energy stocks rose Friday afternoon, with NYSE Energy Sector Index up 0.8% and XLE up 0.2%. Oil prices increased, with WTI crude at $56.80 and Brent at $60.46. Peabody Energy's CEO transition was announced, boosting shares by 2.8%. Energy Fuels shares surged over 7% due to quality control success. Petroleo Brasileiro signed new contracts, lifting shares by 0.6%.

Sector Update: Energy Stocks Rise in Friday Afternoon Trading