Why is the Woodside share price sinking on Monday?

The energy giant's stock is following oil into the red.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The Woodside share price is underperforming on Monday, falling 1.3% to trade at $37.40
  • Its suffering comes amid low oil prices
  • Much of the company's earnings are dependent on the black liquid's value

The Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) share price is sinking despite the broader market's day in the green. Right now, the oil and gas producer's stock has slipped 1.29% to trade at $37.40.

Comparatively, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down just 0.01% at the time of writing. Though, the S&P/ASX 200 Energy Index (ASX: XEJ) is currently one of the ASX 200's worst-performing sectors, falling 0.87%.

Let's take a look at what might be dragging on the Woodside share price on Monday.

Sad looking worker standing next to an oil drill.

Image source: Getty Images

What's weighing on the Woodside share price today?

The Woodside share price is underperforming alongside those of many of its fellow ASX 200 energy giants.

The stock is currently the energy sector's third worst performer, behind that of Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD). They've each fallen around 1.6%.

Meanwhile, shares in both Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Washington H Soul Pattinson and Co Ltd (ASX: SOL) have slumped 0.6%.

Their suffering comes amid tumbling oil prices. The Brent crude oil price fell 2.4% to US$87.62 a barrel on Friday while the US Nymex crude oil price slipped 1.9% to US$80.08 a barrel. That leaves them down 8.7% and 10% respectively week-on-week.

The commodity's struggles come amid concerns of lower Chinese demand and US interest rate hikes, Reuters reports.

China recently flagged it will ease certain COVID-19 restrictions. However, cases in the nation have been growing recently.

Additionally, a strengthening US Dollar has made oil more expensive to those trading in different currencies. That has also likely weighed on the black liquid's value.

That might be what's dragging on the Woodside share price. Much of the company's earnings are reliant on the price of oil. Thus, a lower oil price generally means fewer profits.

Woodside's realised oil price more than doubled over the six months ended 30 June to US$96.40 per barrel of oil equivalent, driving its profits for the period to US$1.6 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

Woman refuelling the gas tank at fuel pump.
Energy Shares

Up 38% in a month, ASX 200 energy share lifting off again Friday on big oil refining news

Investors are bidding up the ASX 200 energy stock again today amid renewed government support.

Read more »

Man ecstatic after reading good news.
Energy Shares

This ASX 200 stock is charging higher on big news

Let's see what has been announced this morning.

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

This ASX energy stock could rise 50%, says Bell Potter

Bell Potter has named this energy producer as a buy. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

How many Santos shares do I need to buy for $10,000 a year in passive income?

Santos shares have delivered two yearly dividend payouts since 2019.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Energy Shares

5 ASX 200 energy shares smash multi-year highs after oil price spike

The ASX 200 Energy Index reached a two-year high of 11,071.80 points on Thursday.

Read more »

Woman refuelling the gas tank at fuel pump.
Energy Shares

Brent crude hits US$112. Here's why Australia is more exposed than most

Oil surges past US$112 as fuel risks rise in Australia.

Read more »

A man faces a fork in the path in the bush before being plunged into the night's darkness holding only a gas lantern.
Energy Shares

Natural gas jumps 6% overnight. Which ASX gas giants stand to benefit?

Natural gas climbs 6% as global supply concerns grow.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Energy Shares

Why Boss Energy shares are falling despite positive uranium update

Let's see what is weighing on this uranium miner today.

Read more »