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Energy is the best play, and the market's biggest risk, for the fourth quarter, says this research firm

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 6:38 GMT by MarketWatch
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Energy: The Prime Play for Q4, but the Biggest Market Risk, According to Leading Research Firm

In a timely note for investors eyeing the last quarter of the calendar year, a prominent research house has highlighted the energy sector as the most attractive investment theme for 2024 while also flagging it as the single biggest source of risk for the broader equity market. The firm’s assessment, published on MarketWatch, paints a picture of a bullish energy outlook amid a fragile macro backdrop and underscores the need for heightened vigilance as the Fed’s policy path, inflation dynamics, and geopolitical uncertainties evolve.

The Research Firm’s Take

The article quotes Thomson Reuters Market Intelligence (TRMI) as the source of the analysis, though the exact identity of the firm is not specified. TRMI’s senior energy strategist, Mark Raines, notes that energy stocks have already posted a 14% year‑to‑date gain, outpacing the S&P 500’s 8% rise. The research team points to a confluence of factors—robust demand in Asia, a tightening supply‑side due to Middle‑East geopolitics, and an orderly transition to cleaner fuels—that create a “bullish window” for the sector through Q4.

Raines highlights that the energy index is projected to finish 2024 at an 18% gain, while the oil and gas sub‑sector could see double‑digit upside. “Oil is still the engine that powers global economic growth,” he says, adding that the price of U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) could rise to the mid‑$80s per barrel if demand from China’s industrial base recovers and inventories remain constrained.

Why Energy Is a “Best Play”

1. Rising Oil Prices
   The article cites the EIA’s weekly inventory data (link provided in the original story) showing a 1.3 million barrel draw in the first week of September, the largest since March. Coupled with OPEC+ pledges to limit output growth, the supply squeeze is tightening further.

2. Global Demand Upsurge
   Energy analysts underscore the importance of China’s second‑half 2024 rebound. The country’s GDP is expected to grow 5.6% in 2024, and its transport and manufacturing sectors are forecast to consume more oil. The research team references the World Bank’s latest commodity outlook (a link included in the article) to support this view.

3. Inflationary Pressure and Higher Rates
   While the U.S. Federal Reserve has signaled a more dovish stance in recent meetings, the article stresses that energy remains a “defensive play” against inflation. “Energy’s price‑to‑earnings ratio has historically been resilient during inflationary periods,” notes Raines. The piece links to a Bloomberg piece on Fed policy expectations that illustrates how energy tends to outperform when rates rise.

4. Shifts Toward Clean Energy
   The report mentions the growing role of renewable power in the energy mix. However, it cautions that the transition is still slow enough that oil and gas will remain pivotal for the foreseeable future. The firm’s model projects a gradual rise in renewable energy’s share of the portfolio but still leaves a sizable footprint for traditional fuels.

The Biggest Market Risk

Despite the bullish outlook for energy, the research team flags the sector as a double‑edged sword for the overall market. The article elaborates on the following risks:

• Geopolitical Tensions
  Rising tensions in the Middle East—especially around the Strait of Hormuz—could trigger a sharp spike in oil prices that would raise inflation expectations and potentially force the Fed to tighten policy further. The article links to a Reuters report on current tensions in the region.

• Supply Chain Disruptions
  The energy sector’s supply chain is increasingly global, and disruptions—whether from hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico or port congestion—could reduce output and push prices higher, negatively impacting company earnings.

• Transition Speed
  If the shift to renewable energy accelerates faster than the research team anticipates, demand for oil could falter, leading to a sharp decline in energy prices. The article provides a link to a McKinsey report that examines the pace of the clean‑energy transition.

• Regulatory Risks
  U.S. and EU regulators are tightening emissions standards for fossil‑fuel producers. While the article notes that many large firms are already investing in carbon capture, the cost of compliance could erode profitability. A link to a European Commission briefing is included in the piece.

Analyst Commentary and Take‑away

Raines and his colleagues urge investors to balance their exposure: “We recommend allocating 15–20% of a growth‑focused portfolio to energy, but keep an eye on liquidity,” he says. The article also quotes a senior analyst from JP Morgan who echoes this sentiment, suggesting that investors could consider ETFs like the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) or iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) for diversified exposure.

The research team also highlights diversified energy conglomerates—companies that own both upstream (exploration and production) and downstream (refining, marketing) assets—as attractive bets. They list Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Royal Dutch Shell as the top three in terms of potential upside, citing their strong balance sheets and robust cash flow generation.

Final Thoughts

The MarketWatch story underscores a clear but nuanced narrative: Energy is a top performer for Q4, but it carries heightened systemic risk for the broader market. While oil and gas stocks offer attractive returns amid supply constraints and growing demand, investors must remain cognizant of geopolitical, regulatory, and macro‑economic headwinds that could quickly erode gains.

For those looking to capitalize on the sector’s upside while managing risk, the research suggests a balanced approach—allocating a moderate portion of a portfolio to energy ETFs and large‑cap producers, while hedging with broader market funds or inverse energy products. As the research firm warns, “The energy story is still in play, but the stakes are higher than ever.”