[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages continue to trade mixed, a touch off of session highs as the market enters the final hour of today's session.
The energy sector (+1.4) holds the widest gain today, supported by crude oil futures settling today's session $1.34 higher (+2.3%) at $60.08 per barrel. Oil prices slid 4.1% on Wednesday after OPEC announced it now projects global oil supply to match demand, after previously forecasting a deficit.
The sector's largest component, Exxon Mobil (XOM 119.39, +0.60, +0.51%), holds a modest gain, while Valero Energy (VLO 182.78, +7.00, +3.99%) holds the widest gain. Valero has broadened its year-to-date gain to an impressive 49.1%, which is better than that of any of the "magnificent seven" names.