Shell plc purchased 3,075,000 shares for cancellation on July 15, 2026, as part of its share buyback programme announced on May 7, 2026. The shares were purchased across three trading venues (LSE, Chi-X, and BATS) at an average price of approximately £31.62 per share. Goldman Sachs International is managing the trading decisions for the programme through July 24, 2026, in compliance with UK and EU market abuse regulations.

The global wax market is projected to grow from USD 11.26 billion in 2025 to USD 16.65 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 3.99%. Growth is driven by increasing demand in packaging, cosmetics, candles, and industrial applications. Mineral wax dominates with 68.23% market share, while natural wax is expected to register the fastest growth. Asia Pacific leads with 35.67% market share, while North America accounts for 39.2% of the market.

The generative AI in oil and gas market is projected to grow from $0.53 billion in 2025 to $1.15 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 16.9%. Key growth drivers include cloud-based AI solutions for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and drilling optimization. Major players like Saudi Aramco and Shell are leading adoption, while tariffs are spurring local AI development. North America holds the largest regional market share.

Chevron rallied 5-6% over two days as geopolitical tensions spiked oil prices and the company benefits from its 20-year Microsoft data center power deal. The stock trades 18% below its March 2026 high of $214.71 despite strong catalysts including the Guyana production inflection, Hess acquisition synergies, and AI infrastructure growth. Analysts see upside to $205-220 targets, with Q2 earnings on July 31 expected to validate the bull case.

Shell plc has notified that following the June 29, 2026 interim dividend payment for Q1 2026, multiple Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities (PDMRs) including CEO Wael Sawan and CFO Sinead Gorman acquired dividend shares through employee share plans. The transactions occurred on July 2, 2026, across multiple currencies and exchanges, with share prices ranging from EUR 33.9265 to GBP 28.87677 per ordinary share.

The global aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents and thinners market is projected to grow from USD 5.26 billion in 2026 to USD 6.81 billion by 2032, with a 4.4% CAGR. Growth is driven by rising demand in coatings, adhesives, and industrial maintenance sectors, particularly in Asia Pacific. Mineral spirits lead the market segment, while paints and coatings represent the largest application area. Key industry players are leveraging partnerships and expansions to strengthen market positions.

The article compares two energy giants, Chevron and Exxon Mobil, as investment options for 2026. While both companies are well-managed with strong free cash flow and shareholder returns, the author recommends Exxon Mobil due to its record production in Guyana, growing Permian Basin operations, cost discipline, and superior cash returns to shareholders. Chevron faces near-term uncertainty from Venezuela exposure and legal challenges.

The 19th annual Dutch IR Awards recognized outstanding achievements in investor relations across Dutch listed companies. Shell won AEX Company of the Year, ASML Holding received IR Professional of the Year and Best ESG Engagement awards, while Aalberts won AMX Company of the Year. Other notable winners included Prosus for Best Investor Event and KPN for Best IR Website.

Shell projects global LNG demand will grow 65% by 2050, though a war-driven closure of the Strait of Hormuz will cause demand to flatten in 2026 before resuming growth in 2027. Major energy companies including Shell, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips are investing in new LNG capacity to meet projected demand, particularly from Asian markets.

The article compares ConocoPhillips and Viper Energy as investment options for 2026. ConocoPhillips, a global independent E&P company, is recommended as the better choice due to its diversified operations, stronger financial performance ($61.6B revenue, $8.0B net income in FY2025), lower valuation (10.6x Forward P/E), and dividend payments of $3.30 per share. Viper Energy, a mineral and royalty company focused on the Permian Basin, offers a capital-light model but faces challenges including a $68M net loss in 2025, heavy dependence on operator Diamondback Energy, and no dividend, though analysts project a recovery with $500M+ net income expected in 2026.

Artificial intelligence is transforming biorefinery operations globally, with companies achieving significant cost reductions and operational improvements. Shell's AI-driven predictive maintenance program delivers $400 million in annual savings while reducing unplanned downtime by 45%. Major players including TotalEnergies, BP, BASF, Chevron, and Cargill are actively integrating AI solutions to optimize feedstock use, improve process efficiency, and accelerate sustainable product development as the industry races to meet carbon neutrality targets by 2050.

Shell plc purchased 1.22 million shares for cancellation on 04 June 2026 as part of its share buyback programme announced on 7 May 2026. The purchases were made across LSEG and Chi-X venues at prices ranging from £31.86 to £32.42 per share, with Goldman Sachs International managing the trading independently within pre-set parameters.