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BAKKEN WIRE
The Midday Take - Energy Market Briefing
Global Markets

Energy Market Briefing

Bakken Wire Staff·🔆Midday Wire·
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Energy Market Briefing for Bakken Wire Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 | Midday Update

1. Headlines

Oil prices are pulling back modestly today. As of midday, WTI is trading at $84.03, down 0.5%, while Brent has fallen 1.15% to $89.70. The Bakken differential stands at -$3.42 vs. WTI. Natural gas is a bright spot, up 2% to $2.77. The primary financial news is Shell’s strong Q2 earnings, reporting a $9.8 billion profit—more than double last year's figure—and maintaining a $3 billion quarterly share buyback. According to Shell’s CEO, the results were driven by higher oil prices and robust trading, partially offset by a 30% drop in gas production from attacks on its Qatar facilities.

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