Hedge funds flip on green energy, start betting against oil stocks
NEW YORK: Hedge funds are betting against oil stocks and winding back shorts on solar in a reversal of positions that dominated their energy strategies over the past four years.
Since the beginning of October and through the second quarter, equity-focused hedge funds have – on average – been mostly short oil stocks, according to a Bloomberg Green analysis of positions on companies in global indexes for sectors spanning oil, wind, solar and electric vehicles.
That's a reversal of bets that had dominated since 2021, according to the data, which are based on fund disclosures to Hazeltree, an alternative-investment data specialist.
Over the same period, funds have unwound short bets against solar stocks.
The analysis, which is based on a universe of some 700 hedge funds representing about US$700bil in gross assets, also showed that portfolio managers have stayed net long in the period.
There has been 'a bottoming out with some of these clean energy plays', said Todd Warren, portfolio manager at Tribeca Investment Partners Pty.
That trend has 'really occurred at the same time as we've seen – in the oil patch – some concerns with regards to supply and demand balance,' he said.
The analysis showed that more hedge funds were, on average, net short stocks in the S&P Global Oil Index than net long for seven of the nine months starting October 2024. By contrast, net longs exceeded net shorts in all but eight of the 45 months from January 2021 through September 2024.
The development coincides with a rise in oil supply as some the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (Opec+) member nations act to preserve their market share.
Joe Mares, a portfolio manager at Trium Capital, a hedge fund managing about US$3.5bil, noted that ratcheting up output has 'not historically been great' for the oil industry.
Evidence of an economic slowdown in the United States and China, combined with an expectation that global oil inventories will continue to rise through the rest of 2025, means there's growing scepticism towards the sector.
Once investors take in 'the general slowdown in everything', the question then becomes: 'Who's buying the oil?' said Kerry Goh, Singapore-based chief investment officer at Kamet Capital Partners Pte.
Greenwich, Connecticut-based Tall Trees Capital Management LP is short oil stocks because 'we see much lower oil prices, especially in 2026', said Lisa Audet, the fund's founder and chief investment officer.
Investors may get further insight into the supply-demand balance as early as this week, with Opec set to release its monthly market analysis.
Updates are also due from the US Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency. On Monday, oil held close to two-month lows.
In the United States, meanwhile, President Donald Trump's quest to add supply in an effort to bring down the price of oil has unsettled local producers.
The Dallas Federal Reserve's latest quarterly energy survey, published on July 2, showed negative sentiment among oil companies towards the Trump administration's policy on the fossil fuel.
One respondent in the anonymised study said the administration's implied price target of US$50 a barrel is simply unsustainable for the industry.
Another spoke of the 'chaos' caused by current US trade policies, adding the volatility will drive companies to 'lay down rigs'. Meanwhile, the outlook for solar and wind stocks is starting to improve.
The analysis of Hazeltree's data showed that the average share of funds that were net short stocks in the Invesco Solar ETF dropped to 3% in June. That's the lowest percentage since April 2021, when green equities were trading near record highs.
The number of funds net long stocks in the First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF reached a 30-month high in February this year. Those positions fell back in June, but net longs still dominated shorts overall. — Bloomberg
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
2 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Cancer Treatment Stocks Surge as $866B Market Attracts Private Investment
USA News Group News Commentary Issued on behalf of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ — USA News Group News Commentary – Federal budget cuts have put pressure on cancer research efforts in the United States, but private investment is helping to fill the gap, with oncology ventures securing hundreds of millions in funding so far in 2025. The Senate's recent restoration of $15 million for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) was a win, yet its earlier elimination underscored the fragility of public support. Against this backdrop, investors are zeroing in on companies with standout science, solid pipelines, and clear regulatory strategies, including Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA), Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE), Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO), and Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR). Global Market Insights estimates the global oncology market at US$345.1 billion in 2025 and forecasts it will climb to US$866.1 billion by 2034, growing at a robust 10.8% CAGR. The U.S. alone is expected to contribute $377.1 billion to that total. Vision Research Reports projects an even larger figure for the global cancer drug sector, predicting it will surpass US$900 billion in sales by 2034. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) has officially entered the most critical phase of its development journey—pursuing a potential registration-enabling trial in first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) for its flagship asset, pelareorep. In its latest Q2 2025 report, the company confirmed it has begun formal discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aimed at finalizing a pivotal study design, with trial start-up activities expected to begin as early as Q4 2025. For investors and potential partners, this represents a clear transition from promising clinical data to potential regulatory approval in one of medicine's most challenging cancer types. 'We have turned the corner from proof-of-concept studies and will be sprinting toward regulatory clarity for the remainder of the year,' said Jared Kelly, CEO of Oncolytics. 'As we shore up our intellectual property, get a clear registration path for pelareorep, and allow our GOBLET data to mature, we will establish our position as the only platform immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors.' The strategic focus on mPDAC reflects both compelling clinical results and a significant market opportunity. Pelareorep is a systemically delivered oncolytic virus designed to convert immunologically 'cold' tumors—those typically invisible to the immune system—into 'hot' tumors that can respond to immunotherapy. In first-line pancreatic cancer studies, pelareorep-based regimens have demonstrated a notable 21.9% two-year overall survival rate, compared to a 9.2% historical benchmark for standard chemotherapy alone. Even more compelling, when pelareorep was combined with chemotherapy and a checkpoint inhibitor, researchers recorded a 62% objective response rate—particularly significant given that checkpoint inhibitors are not currently approved for use in this indication. These results stem from pelareorep's dual mechanism: it both replicates within cancer cells and activates the body's immune response against tumors. 'This robust data set, amassed from several studies in cancers that have historically resisted immunotherapeutic approaches, provides definitive validation of pelareorep's immune-mediated mechanism of action,' said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. 'We observed tumor biopsy-confirmed virus replication, immune cell activation, and the recruitment of cytotoxic T cells into the TME—all consistent with the durable responses observed in patients with metastatic PDAC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer who were treated with pelareorep.' Translational data from the GOBLET and AWARE-1 studies demonstrate how pelareorep transforms the tumor microenvironment, increasing PD-L1 expression, heightening interferon signaling, and mobilizing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the blood—changes that correlate with tumor size reduction. This mechanistic validation, combined with survival data from over 1,100 patients across multiple studies, has solidified the company's decision to prioritize this indication. Oncolytics' execution-focused strategy is being led by Jared Kelly and Andrew Aromando, who both played key roles in Ambrx Biopharma's US$2 billion acquisition by Johnson & Johnson. Kelly was appointed CEO earlier this year, while Aromando recently joined as Chief Business Officer. In line with their focus on capital efficiency, the company has terminated its At-the-Market and Equity Line of Credit facilities, citing sufficient resources to advance key milestones without near-term shareholder dilution. Regulatory advantages are already in place to accelerate development. Pelareorep holds Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for pancreatic cancer from the FDA, meaning the agency has already recognized both the drug's potential and the serious unmet need in this patient population. These statuses streamline review processes and enhance the program's attractiveness to potential pharmaceutical partners. The context underscores the opportunity: pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest common cancers, with a five-year survival rate of less than 14%. Unlike other cancers where immunotherapies have transformed treatment, mPDAC has largely resisted immunotherapeutic approaches—making pelareorep's immune-activating mechanism particularly promising for this underserved patient population. Back in July, Oncolytics hosted a key opinion leader event featuring gastrointestinal cancer experts who reviewed survival outcomes for patients and biomarker validation. The expert panel reinforced the view that pelareorep's mechanism of activating innate and adaptive immune responses is both biologically sound and commercially relevant for first-line mPDAC treatment. With this latest milestone, Oncolytics is entering a phase where FDA feedback will shape both clinical plans and potential commercial partnerships. If the agency accepts the company's proposed trial framework centered on an overall survival endpoint, the resulting study could provide definitive proof of pelareorep's market potential in mPDAC. The company expects to provide an updated clinical timeline in Q3 2025, with trial start-up activities potentially beginning as early as Q4 2025. With compelling survival data, regulatory designations in place, and an experienced leadership team driving execution, Oncolytics is positioning pelareorep for a pivotal test in one of oncology's most challenging and underserved markets. CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Oncolytics Biotech at: In other recent industry developments and happenings in the market include: Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: IOVA) reported strong Q2 2025 results with $60 million in total product revenue, driven primarily by its breakthrough melanoma therapy Amtagvi, which treated over 100 patients in the second quarter. 'Growth for Amtagvi and Proleukin will continue in the second half of 2025 as existing ATC growth continues and large community practices begin treating patients,' said Frederick Vogt, Ph.D., J.D., Interim President and CEO of Iovance. 'We expect our first ex-U.S. regulatory approval imminently and remain on track to provide updates on our clinical programs.' The company's tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy—which uses a patient's own immune cells to fight cancer—generated $54.1 million in revenue and represents the first FDA-approved T-cell therapy for solid tumors, offering new hope for advanced melanoma patients who have tried other treatments without success. With expanded clinical trials planned for lung cancer and endometrial cancer, plus international approvals expected in Canada and other markets, Iovance is positioned to bring its innovative cancer treatment to patients worldwide. Fate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FATE) recently announced promising clinical progress for its off-the-shelf CAR T-cell therapy FT819, which showed lasting responses in lupus patients and received FDA clearance to begin trials for a solid tumor program targeting MICA/B proteins. While primarily focused on autoimmune diseases, the company's next-generation FT836 CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment as it's designed to target solid tumors without requiring harsh conditioning chemotherapy, potentially making the treatment safer and more accessible. 'Building on this momentum, we are also working closely with the FDA under our RMAT designation with the goal of commencing our registrational study for FT819 in SLE and LN in 2026,' said Bob Valamehr, Ph.D., MBA, President and CEO of Fate Therapeutics. 'Additionally, we continue to strengthen our broader pipeline programs with an extended partnership with Ono Pharmaceuticals, and advancements in bringing our next-generation, off-the-shelf CAR T cells with Sword and Shield™ technology toward the clinic.' The company's stem cell-based platform continues to advance multiple programs, including partnerships for HER2-positive solid tumors, positioning Fate as a leader in developing ready-made cancer cell therapies. Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO) remains on track to submit its application for INO-3107 in the second half of 2025, targeting Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP), a rare cancer-related condition caused by HPV that affects the airways. The company's DNA medicine platform represents a novel approach to treating HPV-related diseases and cancers, with INO-3107 showing significant clinical benefit by reducing the need for repeated surgeries in RRP patients from an average of 4.1 procedures annually to just 0.9 procedures. 'We believe that INO-3107 could become the preferred treatment option for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) patients and their physicians—a treatment option with the potential to change the trajectory of this disease,' said Dr. Jacqueline Shea, President and CEO of INOVIO. 'I look forward to building on the significant progress of this past quarter and providing updates as we work toward a potential approval date in mid-2026.' Beyond RRP, Inovio's technology platform is designed to treat various HPV-related cancers and other tumors by teaching the body's immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. With breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA and plans for a trial involving 100 patients, INO-3107 could become the first DNA-based therapy approved for treating this serious cancer-related condition. Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) reported impressive Phase 2b data for rezpegaldesleukin in treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, with the company positioning this immune system regulator as a first-in-class treatment for autoimmune diseases. While primarily focused on autoimmune conditions, Nektar's pipeline includes NKTR-255, a treatment designed to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer, which is being tested in multiple ongoing clinical trials with various partners. 'As a first-in-class, T regulatory cell biologic, rezpegaldesleukin is poised to become an important novel mechanism to treat millions of patients with autoimmune disorders,' said Howard W. Robin, President and CEO of Nektar. 'Finally, we are making significant progress on advancing preclinical studies with a new bispecific antibody, NKTR-0166, which combines the TNFR2 epitope with a validated antibody target.' The company's technology platform creates novel treatments that could potentially address both autoimmune diseases and cancer by enhancing the immune system's cancer-fighting abilities. With additional data expected from hair loss trials in December 2025 and continued development of next-generation programs, Nektar is advancing a unique approach to immune system therapy that could benefit millions of patients with serious diseases. Source: CONTACT: USA NEWS GROUP info@ (604) 265-2873 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. ('MIQ'). MIQ has been paid a fee for Oncolytics Biotech Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQ has been approved by Oncolytics Biotech Inc.; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment. Logo –
Malaysian Reserve
3 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
MES Life Safety Acquires WC Fire Safety, Expanding Service Capabilities in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MES Life Safety, a leading national provider of safety and emergency response equipment, proudly announces the acquisition of WC Fire Safety, a trusted provider of fire protection services based in the Orlando area. This strategic acquisition strengthens MES Life Safety's presence in the Southeast and enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive fire safety solutions across the region. Building on a Tradition of Excellence James Watson, Co-owner of WC Fire Safety, has earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and expertise in fire extinguisher inspection, maintenance, and suppression systems. The company has built long-standing relationships through its commitment to dependable service and technical excellence. 'After years of building WC Fire Safety into a trusted name in the industry, I'm excited to partner with MES Life Safety,' said James Watson, Founder and Owner of WC Fire Safety. 'This transition allows us to offer our customers even more robust resources, advanced technologies, and expanded services—while preserving the values that made WC Fire Safety what it is today.' A Strategic Step Forward 'We are excited to welcome WC Fire Safety into the MES Life Safety family,' said Marvin Riley, CEO of MES Life Safety. 'Their customer-focused service model and technical expertise are a perfect fit with our mission to protect those who protect others. This acquisition not only strengthens our service capabilities in Florida, but it also reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality, code-compliant life safety solutions nationwide.' About WC Fire Safety WC Fire Safety is an Orlando-based fire protection company specializing in the inspection, installation, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems. Known for its prompt, professional service and local expertise, WC Fire Safety serves a broad range of clients including property managers, contractors, healthcare facilities, and industrial operations throughout Southern Florida. About MES Life Safety Since 2001, MES Life Safety has been dedicated to protecting heroes from heat, hazards, and heights in the most challenging environments. As a trusted supplier to the fire service, law enforcement, and industrial safety markets, MES Life Safety equips at-risk workers with high-performance products from leading brands such as 3M Scott, Honeywell, ISC, Fire-Dex, Seek Thermal, Hurst Jaws of Life, Matex Hose, Elbeco, and 5.11 Tactical. With the nation's largest network of specialized sales representatives, mobile service technicians, and strategically located service centers, MES delivers unmatched equipment and support to ensure readiness and safety on every mission.
Malaysian Reserve
4 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
The Chris Paul Collective Enters Next Stage of Growth in Los Angeles
Founded and led by Paul, the Collective unites his business and philanthropic ventures under one roof and appoints David Schwab as first President to help scale the portfolio alongside its leadership team LOS ANGELES, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In Los Angeles, where Chris Paul plays, works, and builds, The Chris Paul Collective is entering its next stage of growth—uniting his business and philanthropic ventures under one roof and expanding their reach. Founded and led by Paul, the Collective spans consumer products, basketball, media, investments, events, and community impact. Its verticals include Paul's NBA business operations; CP3, LLC; Good Eat'n, his rapidly growing snack brand; Los Angeles-based production company Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment, which he co-owns with Words + Pictures; The Chris Paul Family Foundation; and CP3 Investments. Rounding out the portfolio is The Playbook Group, a grassroots events and experiential business that runs tournaments, academy programs, and camps all over the country where Paul has mentored countless young athletes, coaches, and NBA players. Now, to fuel this next chapter, the Collective has appointed David Schwab as its first President—a new leadership role created to scale the ecosystem Paul and his team have been building since day one. He will work alongside Chris; CP3, LLC President CJ Paul—who has led the business since the start; senior leaders Carmen Wilson and Jacqueline Taylor; and a network of trusted business partners to expand strategic partnerships, strengthen operations, and pursue new opportunities that reflect Paul's values of leadership, excellence, and impact. All of this comes as Paul begins his 21st NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers, returning to the franchise where he earned five NBA All-Star selections and continuing a career that now spans three decades. Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection who ranks second all-time in career assists and steals. As the longest-serving President of the National Basketball Players Association (2013–2021), he played a pivotal role in reshaping the modern NBA — championing player empowerment and expanding economic opportunity. He is also a New York Times best-selling author and a recipient of the ESPN Humanitarian of the Year award. Off the court, Paul has built a dynamic business and philanthropic ecosystem rooted in quality, equity, and innovation. Schwab joins with more than 25 years of leadership experience at Octagon, a global sports and entertainment agency. He was the founder of First Call, one of the industry's earliest influencer marketing divisions, which facilitated thousands of brand and celebrity partnerships across sports, entertainment, and culture. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500s, startups, nonprofits, and athlete-led ventures, Schwab operates at the intersection of brand strategy and business growth—known for spotting what's next, challenging the status quo, and helping organizations scale with purpose. 'Basketball will always be at my core, but as I continue building across business and philanthropy, it's important to work alongside dedicated, talented people,' said Paul. 'David's experience in scaling and leadership will help us build on the strong foundation our team has established. Together, we'll grow in ways that stay true to who we are and focus on what matters—meaningful work in business, in our communities, and for the next generation. And doing it here in Los Angeles—back on the court, surrounded by my family, and at the center of so much of my business—makes it even more special.' 'Chris has an unmatched work ethic and a mindset that elevates everyone around him,' said Schwab. 'He's the kind of person you want to build with—relentless, thoughtful, and values-driven. What makes this opportunity special is that Chris brings the same intensity and care to business and community impact as he does to basketball—and he's surrounded by a strong, trusted team that's been with him for years.'
