Energy Leads the Market as Brent Tests $110 and the IEA Speeds Up Its Oil Release

Energy was the standout sector on Friday, with the S&P energy group rising 2.52% even as the broader market fell. Brent crude briefly tested $110 a barrel at midday and WTI traded near $101, though prices were lower in early trading, with WTI at $97.52 and Brent near $105.90.

Two policy developments shaped sentiment. The International Energy Agency plans to accelerate the release of the remaining 100 million barrels from its March agreement, and the U.S. is reportedly considering easing sanctions on some shadow-fleet tankers to bring down record freight rates. President Trump also said the U.S. may strike Iran's nuclear facilities again.

Higher crude prices tend to lift oil majors such as Chevron and BP while adding to fuel costs for airlines and shippers. With supply measures and geopolitical risk pulling in opposite directions, oil is likely to remain volatile.