Global benchmark Brent crude topped $60 a barrel last month for the first time since July 2015, while West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. marker, is set for the highest close in two years as Saudi Arabia and Russia signaled support for extending supply cuts well into 2018. The market was also buoyed by conflict between the Iraqi central government and Kurdish forces that threatened crude production from northern fields in the OPEC nation. “U.S. stock draws have been leading and continue to lead the market higher,” said Olivier Jakob, managing director at Petromatrix GmbH in Zug, Switzerland. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPS announced second-quarter 2024 consolidated revenues of $21.8 billion, a 1.1% decrease from the second quarter of 2023. Consolidated operating profit was $1.9 billion, down 30.1% compared to the second quarter of 2023, and down 29.3% on an adjusted basis. Diluted earnings per share were $1.65 for the quarter; adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.79 were 29.5% below the same period in 2023. For the second quarter of 2024, GAAP results include an after-tax charge of $120 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, comprised of a one-time payment of $94 million to settle an international regulatory matter, and transformation and other charges of $26 million. “I want to thank all UPSers for their hard work and efforts in the second quarter,” said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. “This quarter was a significant turning point for our company as we returned to volume growth in the U.S., the first time in nine quarters. As expected, our operating profit declined in the first half of 2024 from what we reported last year. Going forward we expect to return to operating profit growth.”