COM - Oil futures energy stocks balance vaccine hopes vs. potential lockdowns

Nowhere is this week's stock market tug of war between COVID-19 vaccine optimism and lockdown risk more evident than in the way energy stocks moved today compared to oil futures.The energy sector ([[XLE]] +3.6%) led the S&P 500 today and extended its gain for the week to 17%, adding to its outperformance since the election, on the idea that stimulus prospects or virus containment measures under Biden, or a potential Blue Wave depending on what happens in Georgia, would give the sector a boost.While oil futures rose ~8% for the week, they did not share the same optimism today, with WTI crude (CL1:COM) settling -2.4% to $40.13/bbl and Brent (CO1:COM) -1.7% at $42.78/bbl, with traders worrying about the hit to demand from another wave of lockdowns as advisories have been issued in several major U.S. cities.Plus, yesterday's surprise increase in reported U.S. stockpiles may have weighed on the demand outlook.And

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Oil futures, energy stocks balance vaccine hopes vs. potential lockdowns