SYDNEY, Feb 4, 2026, 17:16 (AEDT) — Market closed
- Woodside Energy climbed 3.1% on Wednesday, outpacing the wider Australian market
- Oil prices climbed further, driven by fresh concerns over U.S.-Iran tensions, boosting energy stocks.
- Up next: crude inventory figures and Woodside’s full-year results briefing on Feb. 24
Woodside Energy Group Ltd WDS.AX ended Wednesday up 3.1%, with its shares closing at A$25.84 after fluctuating between A$25.07 and A$25.87 during the day.
Oil prices climbed for the second day running, driven by fresh worries over Washington-Tehran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. ING commodity strategists noted the market is factoring in a risk premium amid uncertainty about how the talks will unfold. Brent crude gained 56 cents, or 0.8%, reaching $67.89 a barrel.
The shift was notable in local trading as energy stood out among the few sectors holding ground after a sharp tech sell-off. The S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.8% higher at 8,927 points. Energy jumped roughly 3%, while information technology slumped 9.4%, according to ABC market data.
Woodside dropped some company news unrelated to price moves. On Monday, it announced a partnership with Texas Entrepreneurship Exchange for Energy (TEX‑E) focused on early-career talent and innovation in Houston. The plan includes a U.S. summer internship starting in 2026 and a graduate development program rolling out in 2027.
“The skills needed to thrive and lead in the energy sector are clearly evolving,” said Woodside executive vice president and chief operating officer international Daniel Kalms in the joint statement. TEX‑E executive director Sandy Guitar added, “We’re proud to team up with Woodside to link our students with their forward-thinking leadership.” Woodside
Woodside’s latest quarterly update last week revealed a weaker production forecast for 2026, despite setting a new full-year output record for 2025. The company projected 2026 production between 172 million and 186 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe), pointing to scheduled maintenance and the rollout timing of new volumes like Scarborough.
Woodside informed investors it will publish its 2025 annual report and host an investor briefing on Feb. 24. The company’s board plans to appoint a permanent CEO in the first quarter, following Liz Westcott’s interim tenure.
That crude boost can vanish fast. If Middle East tensions ease or U.S. stockpiles jump unexpectedly, the risk premium on oil could evaporate — and energy stocks usually drop right behind it.
Traders will watch crude prices and news from Washington and Tehran ahead of Thursday’s open. For Woodside, the Feb. 24 results briefing stands as the next major event, expected to shift the discussion around output, costs, and project timelines.
