How Energy Stocks Performed In Q1 2025
The first quarter of 2025 ended on a challenging note for the financial markets, as the S&P 500 posted a 4.6% decline—its first quarterly loss since Q3 2023. The Dow and Nasdaq also declined in Q1. Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors weighed heavily on investor sentiment, leading to widespread equity sell-offs and significant sector rotations.
While many sectors faced headwinds, energy stocks emerged as a rare bright spot, delivering resilient performance and reinforcing their reputation as a defensive play during market volatility. Healthcare, utilities, and consumer staples also performed well, attracting defensive-minded investors seeking refuge amid uncertainty.
1st Quarter 2025 S&P 500 Sector Returns.
Concerns over a slowing U.S. economy defined the quarter, with GDP growth showing signs of deceleration despite remaining in positive territory. Tepid consumer spending—especially in discretionary categories—highlighted increasing caution among households as they grappled with higher borrowing costs, persistent inflation, and diminishing pandemic-era savings. Businesses also encountered challenges from an uncertain global trade landscape, as prolonged tariff disputes with major trading partners in Asia and Europe threated to disrupt supply chains and dampened international demand.
The volatility in commodity markets added another layer of complexity. Fluctuating oil prices, driven by supply constraints and geopolitical developments, kept inflationary pressures alive. However, these same dynamics played favorably for energy companies, which benefited from strong earnings tied to elevated commodity prices. Investors flocked to energy stocks as they looked for stability, recognizing the sector's ability to thrive under inflationary conditions.
Central banks maintained their hawkish stance throughout the quarter, with elevated interest rates placing additional pressure on equity valuations. Growth-oriented sectors like technology were hit hardest, as interest rates reduced the attractiveness of their long-term cash flows. High-profile tech players involved in AI, cloud computing, and semiconductors saw notable declines, signaling a significant shift away from speculative investments.
The energy sector was the standout performer in Q1, delivering a total return of 9.9%. The sector's ability to leverage strong pricing power and operational efficiency helped mitigate broader economic risks.
Note that all returns discussed below are total returns, which include the impact of dividend payments.
According to data provider FactSet, integrated supermajors were by far the best-performing segment of the energy sector in Q1, gaining an average of 16.5%. Every integrated supermajor gained double digits in Q1, led by TotalEnergies SE, which rose 20.0%. Shell wasn't far behind with a gain of 18.2%, with Chevron in 3rd place with a 16.8% quarterly gain.
Midstream companies had very uneven performance in Q1. Although the average midstream had a total return of 5.1% in Q1, performance ranged from a 57.6% return for Genesis Energy, L.P. to a 29.9% decline for Dynagas LNG Partners. However, of the 39 companies FactSet classifies as 'midstream', 26 reported positive returns for the quarter.
In contrast, upstream companies—pure oil and gas producers—recorded an average decline of 0.8%. Of the 46 companies classified as 'upstream' by FactSet, 25 managed positive returns. Colombian producer Ecopetrol SA led all upstream companies in Q1 with a 31.8% gain. ConocoPhillips, the largest of the pure oil and gas producers, gained 6.8% for the quarter.
The refining segment had a good quarter, with the 'Big Three' refiners—Marathon Petroleum, Valero, and Phillips 66—posting an average gain of 7.7%. Phillips 66 led with a quarterly gain of 9.4%, followed by Valer (+8.6%) and Marathon (+5.0%).
Looking ahead, the remainder of 2025 will be defined by persistent economic and geopolitical challenges. While the slowdown in GDP growth and cautious consumer spending may weigh on investor sentiment, stabilization in commodity prices could provide relief for energy and related sectors.
The energy sector, in particular, is poised to maintain its momentum, supported by strong earnings, supply constraints, and ongoing inflationary pressures. However, sectors such as technology may continue to face headwinds if central banks sustain their hawkish policies, limiting capital flows and compressing valuations. Geopolitical developments and global trade policies will also remain pivotal factors, shaping market dynamics and driving sector rotations.
For investors, a focus on diversification, resilience, and an eye toward defensive plays could prove crucial as the year unfolds.
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