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The situation in the Middle East just got a lot more real…

Over the weekend, U.S. forces launched airstrikes on three nuclear facilities inside Iran. It wasn’t a warning shot—it was a message, and the market heard it loud and clear.

Crude prices surged overnight as fears mounted that Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.

JPMorgan analysts wasted no time issuing a bold projection: if the conflict escalates and the strait is shut down, oil could spike to $120–130 per barrel.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t some doomsday speculation… Roughly 20% of the world’s oil moves through that waterway.

If tankers stop sailing, global supply tightens overnight—and countries will scramble to secure barrels. That’s when domestic producers in the U.S. step into the spotlight.

This is a potential supercycle moment for U.S. shale—and investors who know where to look could lock in big gains…

Devon Energy: The Giant That Gets Stronger in a Crisis

Start with Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN), one of the top-tier U.S. oil producers by output and efficiency.

Devon pumps over 800,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from massive holdings in the Permian, Anadarko, and Eagle Ford basins. These are mature, high-productivity plays with low decline rates, and Devon’s break-even price hovers around $45 per barrel.

In Q1 2025, Devon generated a staggering $1 billion in free cash flow with oil in the mid-$70s. Now imagine what that looks like with WTI at $130…

We’re talking about potentially doubling free cash flow, which the company can use to reward shareholders through buybacks, dividends, or even tuck-in acquisitions to expand its footprint.

Devon isn’t chasing growth for growth’s sake. Management is committed to capital discipline, with a net debt-to-EBITDAX ratio of just 1.0x and a firm grip on operating costs.

That gives them the flexibility to ramp up production or simply rake in higher profits. Either way, shareholders win.

Civitas Resources: The Mid-Cap with Momentum

Next, we turn to Civitas Resources (NYSE: CIVI), a fast-rising mid-cap producer that’s built a reputation for operating efficiently in the Permian Basin.

After recent acquisitions, Civitas has grown its oil production to more than 150,000 barrels per day, and it’s using smart hedging strategies to lock in prices and minimize downside.

Civitas is no stranger to volatility, and they’ve positioned themselves well for this kind of breakout…

The company was already free cash flow positive at $70 oil—at $130, they could be printing money. In 2024, Civitas guided for over $1.1 billion in free cash flow at current prices.

Higher crude could turn that into a war chest.

What makes Civitas especially attractive is its capital allocation. Rather than blowing cash on overexpansion, it has been focused on shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases.

If oil prices surge, you can expect more of the same—plus a potential step up in drilling activity that could push production even higher in a very short time frame.

Civitas is also incredibly lean…

It runs a tight ship with low overhead, meaning more of that revenue falls straight to the bottom line. In a high-price oil environment, that kind of efficiency becomes a powerful profit engine.

Prairie Operating Company: The Small-Cap Sleeper Hit

Now for the wild card that’s not so wild—Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP)…

This is the kind of stock that most institutional investors won’t touch until it’s already doubled. But if you’re looking for maximum leverage to higher oil prices, this tiny Denver-based operator could be your moonshot.

Prairie recently completed a $603 million acquisition of DJ Basin assets from Bayswater Exploration, transforming it overnight into a legitimate small-cap producer.

Its daily output now tops 25,000 barrels of oil equivalent, and it controls more than 55,000 net acres with around 600 high-quality drilling locations.

That’s the kind of inventory you want when prices go vertical.

The company’s 2025 EBITDA guidance sits between $350–370 million based on current pricing around $60 a barrel.

If oil jumps to $120–130, those numbers could easily and quickly blow past $500 million, fueling rapid expansion…

And with a market cap still under $200 million, it wouldn’t take much for the stock to rerate—hard.

Prairie’s low breakeven costs, nimble structure, and expanding production base make it one of the most potentially explosive small-cap oil names in the market right now.

The upside is huge—and the risks are pretty minimal thanks to tight operations and a focus on expanding shareholder value..

The Big Picture: U.S. Shale Reclaims the Throne

For the last several years, U.S. oil producers have kept their heads down…

They’ve cut costs, sold off junk assets, and gotten lean. And Wall Street mostly ignored them, favoring tech and AI and all the shiny objects with flashier narratives.

But none of that matters if the world can’t keep the lights on.

If oil hits $120 or higher, cash will start pouring into the sector again.

Investors looking for stable income will chase Devon.

Growth-minded funds will rediscover Civitas.

And savvy traders hunting for 5x or even 10x returns will start piling into names like Prairie.

And here’s the kicker: these companies don’t need oil to stay at $130 forever.

Even a six-month spike would generate windfall profits. And if prices stabilize at $100 or even $90? These firms are still minting money.

This isn’t about timing the top…

It’s about positioning ahead of a squeeze—and letting disciplined U.S. operators do what they do best: extract maximum profit from the ground up.

The Bottom Line: The Window Is Narrow, but the Potential Is Massive

Nobody knows how long this current conflict will last…

Iran could respond with restraint—or it could retaliate tomorrow and trigger a full-blown regional escalation. But the market is already pricing in risk, and history tells us that energy shocks of this scale don’t go away quietly.

If oil surges, U.S. producers will benefit. Some more than others.

Devon offers scale and predictability. Civitas combines discipline with growth potential.

And Prairie Operating Company? That’s your potentially extreme high-reward play on a market that could be on the edge of a seismic shift.

Don’t wait for CNBC to tell you it’s happening. By then, the big money will already be in.

Now’s your chance to get ahead of it.

Neither The Investment Journal nor the author have a financial position in any of the companies mentioned in this article. An affiliate of The Investment Journal has been retained for marketing services by Prairie Operating Co. between June and August, 2025; however, this is not a sponsored post. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities.

If you’ve glanced at oil prices recently, you probably noticed they’re on the move — and not in a small way. After months of relatively stable crude prices, the market has suddenly snapped to attention as tensions between Israel and Iran heat up, sending both WTI and Brent crude soaring. Investors are waking up to what seasoned commodity traders already know: nothing rattles global oil markets like conflict in the Middle East.

But here’s the twist — while the drama plays out half a world away, the biggest winners may be oil producers right here in the United States.

Let’s break down why this conflict is pushing prices higher, and how U.S.-focused companies — especially Devon Energy, U.S. Energy Corp., and Prairie Operating Company — are perfectly positioned to capitalize on this volatility.

When Missiles Fly, Oil Rallies

The Middle East has long been a powder keg, but the current standoff between Israel and Iran is dangerously close to boiling over. In just the past few weeks, both countries have launched strikes against each other’s critical infrastructure — with rumors swirling that Iran may attempt to choke off the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passageway through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply flows daily.

An image of a map of the Strait of Hormuz as well as a chart depicting the percentage of global oil shipments transported through the Straight each day. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration and ClipperData, Inc.

Even the threat of disruption in that region sends shockwaves through global markets. Why? Because oil, unlike most commodities, is deeply intertwined with geopolitics. When producers or transport routes are at risk, traders rush to price in that uncertainty — and that means higher prices across the board.

As this latest conflict escalates, it’s not just a regional issue. It’s a global supply risk. And when global supply is in question, demand shifts to where oil is safest and most accessible: the good old U.S. of A.

Domestic Oil Is Suddenly Worth a Whole Lot More

What investors are realizing — and what you should be paying close attention to — is that U.S.-based oil production becomes far more valuable in times like this. It’s not subject to international shipping lanes, foreign sanctions, or political sabotage. It’s drilled, piped, refined, and sold domestically.

And that’s why the spotlight is turning toward smaller, more nimble U.S. producers that operate exclusively on American soil. They don’t have to worry about supply chains being bombed or refineries being targeted. They just need to keep pumping — and enjoy the rising prices.

Let’s look at three companies that are about to ride this wave.

Devon Energy: The Established Powerhouse

Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN) is far from a penny stock — it’s a heavyweight in the U.S. oil patch. With operations across the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Anadarko Basin, and Powder River, Devon has one of the most diversified domestic asset portfolios in the industry. It’s a major producer, churning out more than 800,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

But here’s the key: it’s all U.S.-based…

An image of a recent map of Devon Energy’s domestic oil production asset base. Source: Devon Energy Q3 2023 Earnings Presentation

That means Devon gets the full benefit of higher oil prices without taking on the geopolitical risk that international producers face. While oil majors with global exposure have to worry about shipping routes and foreign governments, Devon just keeps drilling — and banking higher profits.

The company has been laser-focused on shareholder returns lately, with billions in free cash flow and a generous dividend. Rising oil prices only supercharge those cash flows, giving Devon more ammunition to return value to investors.

U.S. Energy Corp.: The Underdog with Upside

Now, let’s shift to a much smaller name with big leverage to rising prices — U.S. Energy Corp. (NASDAQ: USEG). This is a lean, nimble oil and gas company operating exclusively in the United States, with a focus on low-decline, high-margin assets in the Rockies and Gulf Coast.

An image of the U.S. Energy Corp. logo Source: U.S. Energy Corp. Investor Relations

Unlike some overextended peers, USEG has no debt and a clean balance sheet, which gives it room to grow production without financial strain. Its current production may be modest — just over 1,000 barrels per day — but when oil prices spike, even small volumes can generate serious cash for companies like this.

The beauty of a small player like USEG is that it’s pure. It doesn’t have downstream assets, international complications, or sprawling corporate overhead. It just drills, sells oil, and keeps the profits. And when the price per barrel jumps like it is now, those profits can rise exponentially.

In a high-volatility market, small domestic oil producers are often the fastest movers — and USEG fits that profile perfectly.

Prairie Operating Company: The Newcomer with Explosive Growth

Finally, we have Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP), a newer name that’s starting to attract serious investor interest — and for good reason.

PROP operates primarily in the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, one of the most prolific onshore basins in the U.S. While still early in its growth curve, the company has aggressive plans for 2025: it expects to bring 25–28 new wells online and ramp production up to 7,000–8,000 barrels per day — nearly triple its 2024 output.

That kind of growth is impressive on its own, but in a rising oil price environment, it becomes potentially explosive. PROP is guiding for more than $100 million in EBITDA next year — and that estimate could prove conservative if oil continues its upward march.

For investors looking for a high-upside domestic play with momentum on its side, Prairie might be the dark horse that delivers the biggest gains.

The Takeaway: This Is America’s Energy Moment

While international oil producers scramble to manage risk in the Middle East, American companies with domestic-only operations are sitting in the catbird seat. They don’t have to worry about tankers being targeted or pipelines being blown up halfway across the world.

Instead, they’re focused on drilling, producing, and cashing in on a price surge they had no hand in creating — but will fully benefit from.

Devon Energy is the reliable giant with a long track record. U.S. Energy Corp. is the small-cap sleeper with leverage to every price uptick. And Prairie Operating is the growth rocket, ready to capitalize on a perfect storm of rising production and surging oil prices.

If you’re looking for a way to profit from global instability without global risk, these are the names to watch.

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If you think ChatGPT, Google Bard, or that AI-generated image of a cat wearing a spacesuit costs next to nothing to create, think again. Artificial intelligence might feel digital and intangible, but it’s powered by an energy-hungry physical infrastructure: data centers.

And as AI scales up, so does the electricity bill.

In fact, the International Energy Agency projects that by 2026, data centers could consume 20% of the total electricity supply in the U.S.

That’s not just a big number – it’s a total transformation of the energy market.

How Much Power Are We Talking?

A single large data center can consume 700,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per week.

For context, the average U.S. home uses about 210 kWh per week. That means one data center can burn through as much electricity as 3,300 homes per week.

Multiply that by thousands of facilities, and you begin to understand why utilities are starting to panic.

Add to that the fact that AI workloads (especially training large models like GPT-4 or Meta’s LLaMA) require 10x to 100x more energy than standard cloud computing tasks.

The power demand isn’t just growing – it’s accelerating exponentially.

Why Data Centers Can’t Run on Intermittent Energy

Unlike your Netflix stream or your smart fridge, data centers can’t afford to blink. They need constant, uninterrupted power 24/7/365.

That rules out intermittent energy sources like wind and solar. Even with large battery installations, renewables can’t provide consistent baseload power at the scale AI requires.

That means we need energy sources that are always on. We’re talking about baseload power.

What Counts as Baseload Power?

There are only a few options that deliver this kind of reliability:

Natural Gas: Highly flexible, relatively clean, and quick to ramp up.
Coal: Still in the mix, though declining due to emissions and regulatory pressure.
Nuclear: Clean and powerful, but slow and expensive to build.

So where does that leave us?

Why Nuclear Isn’t Ready (Yet)

Traditional nuclear reactors take 7 to 15 years to build. The only major nuclear project in the U.S. in recent memory—Vogtle Units 3 and 4—took 14+ years and cost over $30 billion.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are the exciting future of nuclear energy. But the key word is future…

While Canada has started construction on its first BWRX-300 and the U.S. has approved designs from NuScale and Holtec, none will be online in time to meet the surge in demand that’s happening NOW…

SMRs will most likely play a growing role in the energy mix by the 2030s. But they’re not here now.

And the AI energy crunch is happening now.

The Case for Oil and Gas

So, if nuclear can’t help in time, and renewables can’t provide uninterrupted power, who’s left to carry the load?

You guessed it: oil and gas.

Oil, in particular, is already the top source of U.S. electricity generation, followed closely by natural gas…

They’re both abundant, fast to scale, and can be deployed flexibly to meet surging demand.

And natural gas is also increasingly paired with carbon capture and other innovations that improve its environmental profile.

Here’s what makes oil and gas the best bet for meeting AI-driven power demand over the next decade:

Speed: New gas plants can come online in 2–3 years, far faster than nuclear.
Scalability: U.S. shale formations offer massive untapped reserves.
Infrastructure: Pipelines, LNG terminals, and gas turbines are already in place.

Where the Smart Money Is Going

Big investors are already piling into energy infrastructure to support AI…

Warren Buffett, for example, has been doubling down on oil and gas. He knows what we’re all starting to realize: without a strong energy backbone, the AI revolution stalls.

And while the majors like Exxon and Chevron will benefit, the real upside is in the smaller exploration and production companies with high growth potential.

One to Watch: Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP)

Prairie Operating Company is a nimble, fast-growing U.S.-based oil and gas company focused on efficient, low-cost production from domestic shale assets.

With oil and natural gas demand booming from AI data centers, power-hungry crypto, and LNG exports, companies like PROP are positioned to thrive.

What sets Prairie apart is its strategic location and focus on scalable development…

The company holds thousands of acres of high-potential leases in energy-rich basins and has streamlined operations to keep drilling costs low while maximizing output.

That means more cash flow when prices are high—and a leaner break-even point when prices dip.

PROP also benefits from existing infrastructure, which means it can bring production online faster than many of its competitors. It’s the kind of operational agility that institutional investors look for when power demand – and energy prices – are about to spike.

In short, Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP) is the kind of early-stage energy play that could grow significantly as the AI power demand story unfolds.

The Bottom Line

The AI boom is driving an energy crisis that most investors haven’t priced in yet. With nuclear still years away and renewables unable to deliver reliable baseload power, oil and gas will do the heavy lifting for at least the next decade.

That makes now the perfect time to look into small oil and gas producers set to benefit from this megatrend.

Learn more about Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP) and how you can position your portfolio to profit from the explosive growth of AI…

Because the next part of this revolution isn’t about software or hardware. It’s about the energy systems that make it all possible.

There’s a seismic shift underway in the oil and gas industry—one that’s quietly changing the rules for investors. And if you know where to look, it could lead to some serious profits.

Here’s the deal: most major oil companies have stopped rewarding growth. That means executives are no longer being incentivized to find new resources or ramp up production.

Instead, they’re being paid to cut costs, buy back shares, and maximize short-term returns.

That’s all well and great for Wall Street in the moment. But its bad news for long-term energy security—and a massive opportunity for investors who know better.

Let’s take a look at what’s happening—and why a small, fast-growing player like Prairie Operating Company (PROP) could end up being one of the biggest winners.

The End of the Growth Era

If there’s one company that still wore the “grow or die” badge with pride, it was Hess Corporation. Hess was the last of the major oil producers that actively rewarded its executives for expanding reserves and boosting production.

In fact, that aggressive growth strategy is part of what made it such an attractive acquisition target for Chevron.

Now that Chevron is buying Hess, it marks the end of an era. Once the deal closes, there will be no major U.S. oil producer left that explicitly incentivizes management to grow resource reserves.

That’s a problem. And here’s why…

Demand Is Growing. Supply? Not So Much.

We’ve got rising global energy demand—from expanding AI data centers to EV charging infrastructure to growing economies in Asia and Africa. The world isn’t moving away from oil and gas nearly as fast as some think.

But while demand keeps ticking up, the supply side is stuck in neutral.

When oil companies stop focusing on exploration and production growth, guess what happens? We end up with fewer new wells. Fewer barrels. Less gas. Less cushion…

And when demand finally outruns supply in a serious way, prices explode.

We’ve seen it before. And with underinvestment in upstream development now becoming the norm across the industry, we’re setting the stage for a serious imbalance.

That means higher prices at the pump, higher heating bills—and for investors in the right stocks, higher profits.

Enter Prairie Operating Company: A Rare Breed in a Shrinking Club

Prairie Operating Company (PROP) isn’t a household name—yet. But it’s quietly becoming one of the most exciting stories in American energy.

This is a company that is focused on growth. Prairie is operating in the DJ Basin, a prolific oil and gas region spanning parts of Colorado and Wyoming.

Unlike the giants that are slowing down, Prairie is doing the opposite—it’s ramping up.

They’re drilling more wells. They’re bringing on new production. And they’re doing it with one of the leanest, most efficient cost structures in the industry.

Low Costs, High Margins, Smart Strategy

Prairie has several key things going for it:

Low-cost operations – Their break-even prices are among the lowest in the sector, meaning they can stay profitable even when oil prices dip.
In-the-money hedging program – Prairie’s management has locked in prices well above their production costs. That means stable cash flow and protection against market volatility.
Rock-solid balance sheet – This isn’t some over-leveraged wildcatter. Prairie’s financials are in great shape, giving them flexibility to expand without taking on risky debt.
DJ Basin potential – Prairie holds promising acreage in one of the best oil regions in the country. There’s a lot of upside still to be unlocked.

And perhaps most importantly, Prairie isn’t trying to just survive the current energy cycle—they’re aiming to grow right through it.

Growth Is the Future… and the Opportunity

Now here’s the big takeaway for investors: As the rest of the oil industry shifts away from growth and toward financial engineering, companies like Prairie are becoming rare.

And rare can mean valuable.

If Prairie keeps expanding production while others stand still, it stands to benefit not just from strong margins—but from scarcity…

As fewer new resources come online, Prairie’s oil becomes more important. Its revenue becomes more predictable. Its valuation gets harder to ignore.

Think of it this way: When everyone’s racing to shrink, the one company racing to grow can end up controlling a much bigger piece of the pie.

Don’t Miss This Oil Boom in the Making

Hess is nearly gone. The majors are done with growth. The supply/demand gap is real and growing. But there’s still time to position yourself for what’s coming next.

Prairie Operating Company isn’t a household name yet—but it checks every box for forward-thinking investors…

They’ve got the reserves. They’ve got the production growth. They’ve got the financial strength. And they’re building now to meet the energy needs of tomorrow.

If you’re looking for exposure to the next phase of the American energy story—one where supply crunches could send oil and gas prices soaring—then Prairie might be one of the smartest bets on the board.

Get in before the herd figures it out. Get invested in growth. Get invested in Prairie.

Disclosure: Neither The Investment Journal nor the author have a financial position in any of the companies mentioned in this article. An affiliate of The Investment Journal has been retained for marketing services by Prairie Operating Co. between June and August, 2025; however, this is not a sponsored post. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities.

If you’ve been watching the headlines lately, you’ve likely seen doom and gloom stories about falling crude oil prices.

While it’s true that cheap oil can spook markets and send big producers scrambling, not all companies in the oil and gas sector suffer equally.

In fact, savvy investors know there’s significant profit potential lurking in the shadows of low oil prices—especially if you know where to look.

So, let’s explore why falling oil prices aren’t necessarily bad news and how you can turn this market downturn into a golden opportunity.

Midstream Magic: Profits Flow No Matter the Price

First, let’s talk about midstream companies—the unsung heroes of the oil and gas industry.

These are the firms responsible for transporting and storing oil, natural gas, and related products. And here’s the beauty: midstream businesses typically get paid based on volume transported, not the price of the commodity.

Take Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD), for example. This energy giant owns thousands of miles of pipelines and countless storage facilities.

Whether crude oil costs $100 per barrel or $40 per barrel, Enterprise keeps earning steady revenues based on the volume flowing through its network.

In fact, lower oil prices often encourage higher consumption, as cheaper fuel sparks greater demand. That means more oil moving through pipelines, more storage demand, and, ultimately, more consistent profits.

Midstream companies like Enterprise offer investors the comfort of stability and reliable income streams even in volatile markets.

Shipping Companies Ride the Wave

Next up, let’s consider shipping companies. When crude oil prices fall, the cost of fuel drops as well, significantly lowering operating expenses for tanker fleets.

Meanwhile, the cheaper product boosts global demand, encouraging more shipments and, in turn, higher revenue.

GasLog Ltd. (NYSE: GLOP-PA) is a prime example of how falling oil prices can positively impact shipping businesses. Lower fuel costs directly translate into healthier profit margins, while increased shipments keep their fleets busier than ever.

It’s a perfect combination: reduced expenses and rising demand.

This means that shipping companies like GasLog can see their earnings soar even as crude prices plummet.

Investors who recognize this relationship can take advantage of undervalued shipping stocks, turning market panic into robust returns.

Small, Smart, and Hedged: The Prairie Advantage

Lastly, not all oil producers are created equal. Small oil companies, especially those with low breakeven costs and smart hedging strategies, are uniquely positioned to thrive during downturns.

Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP) is an excellent example of this strategy.

Unlike big oil giants burdened by high operational costs, Prairie keeps its breakeven price impressively low, allowing it to remain profitable even when oil prices tumble.

What makes Prairie especially appealing is its proactive hedging program…

By locking in favorable prices for much of its future production, Prairie ensures predictable revenue streams regardless of market volatility. This disciplined approach allows the company to weather storms that sink less-prepared competitors.

For investors, Prairie Operating Company represents the kind of small-cap gem that can deliver outsized returns precisely when everyone else is fearful.

Turning Fear into Fortune

When oil prices slide, panic often sets in across financial markets. Many investors hurriedly dump energy stocks, missing out on the hidden opportunities these lower prices create.

But history shows that investors who stay calm, do their homework, and take calculated risks when others are running for the exits often reap the biggest rewards.

Companies like Enterprise Products Partners, GasLog, and Prairie Operating Company are positioned uniquely to profit during periods of lower crude prices.

Whether benefiting from steady pipeline revenues, booming shipping demand, or smart hedging strategies, these companies demonstrate resilience and profitability even in challenging environments.

Your Next Step: Seize the Moment

Market downturns don’t last forever, and neither do these opportunities. As oil prices eventually stabilize and begin to rebound, the bargains available now will quickly disappear.

Investors who act decisively can lock in attractive valuations and set the stage for substantial gains as the market corrects.

Don’t wait until the media starts talking about “recovery.” The real profits belong to those who see the potential now, while others are fearful.

If you’re ready to make the most of this opportunity, now’s the time to consider investing in well-positioned companies like Enterprise Products Partners, GasLog, and Prairie Operating Company.

The market won’t wait—neither should you.

Oh, what a difference a few days can make, eh? We’ve gone from headlines screaming, “U.S. Heading for Recession!!” to ones talking about the greatest stock market rally in decades. And all it took was one announcement that the U.S. and China are getting closer to a trade deal that benefits both nations.

Of course, like clockwork, the naysayers came out in force questioning the validity of a joint statement made by the representatives of both countries. They say it’s just talk. It’s not a deal until it’s signed. The U.S. caved…

But really they just don’t want to admit that Trump was right…

He was right about trade imbalances. And he was right about tariffs. Maybe they’re not the most delicate tool. In fact, they’re more like a baseball bat than a surgeon’s scalpel. But nonetheless, Trump was right…

He knew that, as the world’s biggest consumer, the United States was a market nobody can afford to lose. And he knew that, while it might sting American consumers a little bit to pay more for their imported goods (or just buy American 🤷), it would hurt the other countries a lot more to lose their biggest buyer.

He knew that they’d come to the U.S. looking to make a deal. And that’s exactly what they did…

South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, Switzerland, Qatar, Cambodia, France, Italy, and now China, too. They all decided it was better to make a deal than to try to carry out a trade war with America.

Trump even told people to go out and buy stocks. He said the “smart money” was being stupid and that you should always bet on American exceptionalism.

And markets are up over 20% since then.

The bottom line is the mainstream media was wrong and Trump was right, whether they’ll admit it or not. But I’m not here just to rub dirt in the mainstream media’s eyes while it’s down…

Because they’re probably not going to admit it. And that’s doing investors a huge (or should I say “yuge”) disservice. Because while they’re lamenting the fact that Trump was right about tariffs, investors need to start asking what Trump will be right about next…

The mainstream media isn’t going to tell you. That’s for sure. They can’t even admit he’s been right about pretty much everything else. Why would they start now?

But that’s what we’re here for, to set aside any personal feelings we might have and dig into the biggest investment opportunities. And, like Trump who’s busy building relationships all over the newly dubbed Arabian Gulf, we’re not resting for a second.

Because we knew exactly what Trump’s going to be right about next and it’s going to make a trade deal with China look like small potatoes.

That’s because Trump’s next big win has already been set in motion and he’s just cementing it and doing a victory lap through the oil-rich Gulf states…

You see, it’s a pretty commonly known fact that Donald Trump supports the U.S. fossil fuel industry. (Drill, baby, drill!). But it’s not as commonly understood that Trump doesn’t just want American energy independence. He wants American energy dominance.

And, quietly, earlier this year, he established a new national council dedicated to achieving just that:

This council is tasked with streamlining permitting processes, enhancing energy production and distribution across all sectors—including critical minerals—and fostering private sector investment by reducing regulatory barriers and promoting innovation.

And it’s already getting to work developing a comprehensive National Energy Dominance Strategy, coordinating federal and private sector efforts, and consulting with state, local, and tribal officials to expand reliable and affordable energy production nationwide.

Now, of course, the mainstream media is doing everything it can to hide the council’s success…

But savvy investors are already quietly reaping the rewards as certain American companies are thriving under these policies, but they remain completely off the radar of the general public.

One in particular, Prairie Operating Company (NASDAQ: PROP) deserves particular attention. Since Trump instated his new energy policies, it’s grown production by over 1,000% through strategic acquisitions and expanded drilling.

Prairie is focused on the lucrative, but low-cost Denver Julesburg (DJ) Basin in northeastern Colorado. And it’s concentration of assets in oil-friendly, rural Weld County makes it a perfect investment for growth…

With no towns or communities close to its oil-rich assets, the company is able to move quickly to get its wells in the ground and the oil flowing out and down the pipelines to Cushing. And, as an added bonus, that oil gets a premium price at the pump down there because it’s better suited to the Gulf-coast refineries.

So, it’s got a low-cost field, a low-cost operation, direct access to the global hub for oil sales in Cushing, AND it gets a premium on its product because it’s what the refineries need. With breakeven prices potentially dropping below $40 in the near future, this company’s profitable when others aren’t.

Yet, it’s still relatively unknown outside of closely knit investment circles. But more and more investors are catching on. And the administration’s deregulation efforts and strategic appointments are now attracting global investment by the trillions (see Saudi Arabia’s $600 BILLION).

By streamlining regulations and opening new areas for exploration, the U.S. is solidifying its position as a global energy leader. This isn’t just about politics, though. It’s about profits…

Like I said, you shouldn’t expect to hear this story from the mainstream press – they’re too busy pushing their anti-Trump narratives.

That’s why they missed out on the record-setting rally the markets just had. But we’re willing to look past our own beliefs in search of profit opportunities for our investors.

And while the media unfortunately often lies to you, the numbers don’t. Prairie is one of the only places both the Trump administration and investors can look for growth in the American oil field.

Its strong balance sheet, low breakeven price, enviable location, and experienced leadership team make it the best bet for investors looking to capitalize on Trump’s next win while the mainstream media is still lamenting his last.

Get ready, because there’s something big brewing in the world of energy. Donald Trump’s aggressive push to ramp up U.S. oil and gas exports, while clamping down on exports from geopolitical rivals like Iran and Russia, is shaping up to be a massive profit opportunity for anyone positioned early.

And as markets soar on the U.S.-China trade deal, if you’re thinking about where to put your money next, U.S. energy could be your golden ticket.

The Strategy: Export More, Profit More

Here’s the deal: Trump has been very clear about his ambitions. He aims to secure America’s energy dominance by drastically boosting exports of U.S. oil and gas.

His administration is actively targeting competitors—Iran and Russia—with sanctions designed to shrink their market share and create openings for U.S. energy producers.

During his current trip to the Middle East, Trump’s agenda is crystal clear: he’s working on securing long-term commitments from allies to ramp up their imports from U.S. producers.

This isn’t just a political move; it’s an economic masterstroke designed to bolster America’s position in global energy markets.

Buffett’s Bet: Occidental Petroleum

When Warren Buffett makes a move, investors listen—and Buffett has been piling into Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY). Occidental, a heavyweight U.S. oil producer, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on expanding global markets and reduced competition from sanctioned rivals.

With its substantial production capacity, robust infrastructure, and significant cash returns to shareholders, Occidental offers investors a reliable yet exciting path to potential profits.

Buffett’s massive stake isn’t just a vote of confidence; it’s practically a flashing neon sign that says, “Big profits ahead!”

Sailing Towards Profits: Dorian LPG

Natural gas is another key player in Trump’s export strategy, and companies like Dorian LPG are set to reap massive benefits. Specializing in liquefied petroleum gas transportation, Dorian LPG (NYSE: LPG) is at the forefront of the booming global demand for American gas exports.

As Trump’s policies squeeze out competitors and open up new international markets, Dorian’s fleet stands ready to ferry U.S. gas to eager buyers around the globe.

For investors, this represents an ideal opportunity: a highly specialized, well-positioned company ready to deliver both literal and financial goods.

Midstream Magic: Williams Companies

Don’t overlook the critical role of midstream players. Companies responsible for transporting and processing oil and gas are vital to Trump’s export strategy—and that’s exactly where Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB) comes in.

Williams, a leader in natural gas infrastructure, operates an extensive network of pipelines and facilities crucial for moving gas from producers directly to export terminals.

As U.S. exports grow, the demand for reliable midstream infrastructure explodes. Williams Companies, with its strategically placed assets and proven operational efficiency, is set to profit significantly. If you’ve been waiting for an investment with a powerful upside and steady growth, look no further.

Big Gains in Small Packages: Prairie Operating Company

If you’re hunting for massive returns, small-cap energy producers often offer some of the most explosive potential. Prairie Operating Co. (NASDAQ: PROP), a small-cap oil producer, might just be your diamond in the rough.

Smaller producers like Prairie have a knack for quick pivots and aggressive growth strategies, making them ideal candidates to capitalize on the shifting energy landscape. Case-in-point: Prairie’s predicting a 1,000% jump in production this year after an extremely well-timed acquisition.

With Trump’s policies driving demand higher and global markets opening wider, Prairie Operating Company has the potential to transform from a small-cap gem into a significant industry player. Investing early could mean riding an upward trajectory before the rest of the market catches on.

Tariffs Worked, Energy Dominance Next

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Remember when Trump implemented tariffs and many experts cried foul, predicting disaster?

Fast forward, and the stock market is soaring as nation after nation comes to the table to negotiate with the administration, proving those skeptics wrong. Trump’s bet on tariffs paid off handsomely, and investors who recognized that early made out like bandits.

We’re witnessing the same scenario unfolding in energy. Trump’s bold moves to increase U.S. exports and sideline foreign competitors could drive similar spectacular results.

Energy dominance isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s rapidly becoming a profitable reality.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Here’s the bottom line: now is the time to position yourself. Companies like Occidental Petroleum, Dorian LPG, Williams Companies, and Prairie Operating Company are poised for significant gains as Trump’s policies reshape global energy markets.

The smart money is already moving. Warren Buffett sees it. Analysts see it.

And investors who get ahead of the crowd stand to reap substantial rewards. Trump’s track record speaks volumes—first tariffs, now energy.

Don’t sit on the sidelines and watch others celebrate their smart moves. Jump into U.S. oil and gas now, and watch your investment grow as America takes the driver’s seat in global energy.

The profits are waiting—make sure you’re there to collect.

With President Trump’s “Tariff Wars” dominating the investing headlines, many investors missed a small — but absolutely critical — announcement yesterday.

In response to President Trump’s Executive Order, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, the administration is officially fast-tracking the first wave of ten domestic mining projects, spanning everything from rare earth elements to battery metals and defense-critical inputs like antimony.

All with the goal of cutting America’s dependency on foreign suppliers, especially China, and unleashing American tech and energy dominance,

The White House framed the move as both a national security and economic resilience play … and the administration is correct —- it’s absolutely vital for the U.S. to develop domestic sources of these critical minerals.

This could mean a potential windfall for investors as the announcement could mark the beginning of a multi-year bull run for U.S.-based mineral producers.

Companies sitting on domestic deposits of rare earths, lithium, antimony, and other strategic minerals could now see reduced red tape, increased government backing, and higher long-term valuations.

Three Ways to Play This News

If you’re looking to position early in this trend, here are three stocks across the market cap spectrum to keep on your radar:

Large-Cap: MP Materials (NYSE: MP)

Why it matters: MP runs the Mountain Pass rare earth mine in California — the only scaled rare earth operation in North America.

What makes it interesting: They’re already producing and processing, which puts them well ahead of the pack. If D.C. is serious about onshoring the tech supply chain, MP is at the top of the beneficiary list. MP’s stock price has already started a bit of a run-up, and with yesterday’s announcement, this movement could have real legs.

Mid-Cap: Piedmont Lithium (NASDAQ: PLL)

Why it matters: Lithium is essential for EVs, batteries, and grid storage — and Piedmont’s project in North Carolina could be a key domestic supplier.

What makes it interesting: They’ve already secured deals with major automakers, and the new permitting push could accelerate their path to production.

Small-Cap: Perpetua Resources (NASDAQ: PPTA)

Why it matters: Their Stibnite Project in Idaho is home to the largest known antimony deposit in the U.S. — a mineral critical for military and energy storage applications.

What makes it interesting: Antimony isn’t a “sexy” metal like uranium or lithium but the government has already flagged antimony as a strategic priority, which could put Perpetua in the spotlight for grants or defense contracts.

Wildcard: NioCorp Developments (NASDAQ: NB)

Why it matters: NioCorp is developing a project in Nebraska targeting niobium, scandium, and titanium — all high-value, low-availability critical minerals.

What makes it interesting: This one’s a more speculative play. NioCorp’s projects have been stalled due to financing issues, but with the White House putting a thumb on the scale, companies like NioCorp could suddenly find themselves back in the game.

Bottom Line

Washington is sending a clear signal: domestic mining is back in favor — and potentially back in business. With Uncle Sam’s limitless credit card heating up and President Trump’s pro-business, deregulatory policies coming into play, we could be entering a new era of American-made supply chains for critical minerals.

For investors who want early exposure to this looming megatrend, now’s the time to pay attention.

Disclaimer: The author has no financial interest or position in any of the companies mentioned in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities.

The stock market has taken a beating thus far in March, with the S&P already down 8.6% from its February peak. Worse yet, all the major indexes have fallen back to their pre-election levels.

Not surprisingly, this has led to a rising tide of pessimism about the market and the economy, including increased fears that the U.S. may soon fall into a recession.

That anxiety is clearly seen in the Cboe Volatility Index, commonly known as the stock market’s “fear gauge.” As of March 11, it’s up 62% for the year.

However, Yardeni Research, a respected investment strategy consulting firm, is more optimistic and suggests that investors take a longer-term view.

Betting on the Resilience of the U.S. Economy

As the firm said in a note released in the second week of March, “We continue to bet on the resilience of the American economy. We expect that pro-business policies, as they emerge, will boost longer-term confidence, allaying short-term uncertainties related to Trump 2.0.”

Much of the blame for the market’s woes is falling on President Trump’s tariff policies and the uncertainty they have created.

According to Tom Essaye of the financial research firm Sevens Report Research, it’s not the tariffs themselves that are causing all the trouble. He says it’s “the sort of just complete chaotic, whiplash-infused, seemingly directionless policy. That’s the issue.”

Michael Arone, chief investment strategist at State Street Global Advisors, echoed those concerns saying, “Many investors support the president’s pro-growth business agenda, but the administration’s frenetic approach to policymaking is unsettling.”

President Trump: “What We’re Doing is Very Big”Another factor is the President’s apparent willingness to accept a recession as the price to be paid to bring America back from the brink of disaster. On Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” President Trump told host Maria Bartiromo that the U.S. should expect a “period of transition” as his policies take effect.^[1]

And indeed on February 28, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDPNow model forecast a 1.5% contraction in real U.S. gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2025.^[2]

The president’s willingness to accept the possibility of a recession took many by surprise. As Sevens Report Research’s Tom Essaye told Barron’s, “It appears that the administration has a higher pain tolerance than perhaps the markets assumed initially.”

However, like Yardeni Research, the President is taking a long-term view, telling Bartiromo, “What we’re doing is very big. We’re bringing wealth back to America. That’s a big thing… it takes a little time, but I think it should be great for us.”

Expect a Rally in the S&P

For its part, Yardeni is bullish on the economy and the markets. It says there is only a 20% chance of a recession and an 80% chance of “outcomes that are bullish for U.S. stocks.”

Yardeni’s optimism is shared by Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics. According to Shearing, “While the outlook has clearly soured, we think fears that the global economy is on the cusp of a major slowdown are overdone.”

Capital Economics does expect U.S. economic growth to slow to between 1.5% and 2% in 2025. This is “weak by U.S. standards,” according to Shearing, but it’s “well above the rates of growth experienced in Europe.”

Furthermore, Capital Economics expects “a renewed tech-led rally in the S&P 500 over the course of this year.”

This optimism is shared by investment advisory firm DataTrek Research, which while noting the market’s current problems in a note, also says, “we are in the bullish camp on this point, and remain positive on domestic large cap equities.”

The bottom line is despite turbulence in the financial markets, investors would be well served to avoid succumbing to short-term fears and to take a long-term approach instead.

Investors who are able to weather the current volatility may ultimately find themselves well-positioned when optimism returns to the markets in the months ahead.

The stock market has been in turmoil for the last two weeks thanks to uncertainty about the President’s trade policy… followed by widespread surprise at the extent of Trump’s trade war, as he announced higher tariffs on friend and foe alike.

Since its February 19th peak, the S&P has fallen more than 17% — wiping out trillions of dollars in wealth in just a few weeks and taking the S&P back to nearly 10% below where it stood on the day Trump was elected.

Despite the market’s collapse, the President has said, “I’m not even looking at the market.” He and his advisors believe the pain investors are enduring will be short-lived and more than made up for by a market boom that will follow a reset of global trade agreements.

The President Cares More Than He’s Willing to Admit

However, some financial experts are skeptical that the President doesn’t care about the stock market’s performance.

Take Tom Lee, the co-founder and head of research at Fundstrat, an independent financial research firm. Lee is famous for his near spot-on forecasts of where the S&P would finish in 2023 and 2024.

In a message to his clients, Lee wrote, the “market fury is not due to a reaction to a trade war, but rather, in our view, the fact the White House broke a core covenant of capitalism — stable and predictable regulatory environment.”

According to Lee, Trump wants the market the rally in order to validate how he’s handling global trade. He also needs public support, which according to some polls is beginning to wane.

Furthermore, a market crash could also have the potential to help cause a recession, which is the last thing Trump wants.

Declining Market Could Cost Republicans Control of Congress

Also important is a rising fear that if the President’s policies don’t get fast results, the Republicans could lose control of Congress in next year’s mid-term elections.

That’s exactly what happened to Republicans following the McKinley tariffs of 1890 and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff in 1930.

In the 1890 mid-terms, Republicans experienced a landslide defeat, losing nearly half of their House seats.

In the 1932 elections that followed the enactment of Smoot-Hawley, Republicans lost control of both houses of Congress. And both Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis Hawley lost their seats.

The fallout from Smoot-Hawley is especially galling to Republicans as it helped usher in decades of dominance by the Democratic Party.

It seems unlikely President Trump is willing to risk that kind of legacy for himself.

With that in mind, Lee expects the President to moderate or even reverse his trade policies if the market continues to fall.

O’Leary: “Everybody’s Willing to Cut a Deal”

And he’s not alone. Billionaire “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary believes the tariffs are part of a larger negotiation package and that the President will quickly negotiate his way towards removing or reducing them.

As O’Leary told Fox Business, “I believe in economics driving everything at the end of the day, and I don’t think the Trump administration is stupid. They know they’ve gotta start negotiating deals and show the world what the outcome of this is gonna be.”

As a result, O’Leary expects U.S. trading partners to race to the negotiation table. As he put it, “Everybody’s willing to cut a deal.”

Meanwhile, influential voices such as Lloyd Blankfein — former Chairman of Goldman Sachs — is urging the President to delay the tariffs by at least six months to provide adequate time to negotiate new and better trade deals.

He’s been joined in his calls for a tariff pause by billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman — who supported Trump’s 2024 campaign, and has taken a great deal of heat for doing so.

The Commerce Secretary’s Head May Already Be on the Chopping Block

According to FundStrat’s Tom Lee, the President may already be laying the groundwork for pulling back. And he may even have a fall guy if the markets continue to tank.

Lee cites a report from Politico saying that, according to White House sources, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — an especially loud supporter of the tariffs — could be poised to take the blame.

Insiders reportedly blame Lutnick for the unexpected severity of the tariffs, which go beyond anything Wall Street expected.

The bottom line is that even if the President’s trade policies continue to tank the stock market, he will eventually reverse course, either because he is successful at negotiating new trade agreements or simply out of political necessity. And that could be sufficient to send the market soaring to new highs in the months ahead.