VDE - Crude oil creeps higher but energy stocks hit bottom of S&P sectors

Crude oil prices edge higher, extending yesterday's 3%-plus gains, but energy stocks ([[XLE]] -2.1%) nevertheless slide to the bottom of today's S&P sector standings.July WTI crude (CL1:COM) +0.3% to $66.29/bbl, after the front-month contract settled yesterday at the highest since May 17, and July Brent (CO1:COM) +0.4% to $68.75/bbl.ETFs: [[USO]], [[XLE]], [[UCO]], [[XOP]], [[VDE]], [[GUSH]], [[OIH]], [[ERX]], [[BGR]], [[BNO]]Prices "remain at high levels as the high season for oil demand is approaching, and as restrictions are lifted in much of Europe and the U.S.," Rystad Energy analyst Louise Dickson says, according to MarketWatch."The bearish fumes of the prospect of a nuclear deal with Iran may have run their course, as the reality of an extra 1 million bbl/day or more has been gradually priced in since diplomatic representatives began meeting in Vienna this year," Dickson writes.Three of today's top five losers on the S&P 500 reside in the oil and gas

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Crude oil creeps higher but energy stocks hit bottom of S&P sectors