Why did Shell's stock fall yesterday?

Shell's stock fell due to a warning about significantly lower trading results in the fourth quarter of 2025, influenced by declining crude oil prices.

What is the impact of lower crude oil prices on Shell?

Lower crude oil prices, which fell 18% in 2025, negatively impacted Shell's trading business and contributed to a loss in its chemicals division.

Are there other issues affecting Shell besides oil prices?

Yes, weak margins and a significant loss in Shell's chemicals division suggest more entrenched problems that require attention beyond oil price fluctuations.

Home / Business and Economy / Shell Stock Tumbles on Trading Woes

Shell Stock Tumbles on Trading Woes

9 Jan

•

Summary

Shell's stock fell significantly due to a weaker trading performance.
Lower crude oil prices impacted the energy giant's fourth quarter.
The chemicals and products division faced a loss, signaling deeper issues.

Shares in the energy giant Shell saw a decline yesterday after the company announced that its fourth-quarter trading performance would be significantly lower than the preceding quarter. This update, released ahead of the full fourth-quarter and annual results due next month, indicated that the weaker trading outcomes contributed to a loss in the wider chemicals and products division.

The fall in Shell's stock reflects broader market trends, including an 18% decrease in Brent crude oil prices over 2025, marking the most substantial drop in five years. The price of a barrel of Brent crude fell by 9% in the final quarter of 2025, settling just below $61.

Investment experts noted that while the slump in oil trading is linked to lower crude prices, factors such as developments in Venezuela could potentially impact future supply. Furthermore, the flagging margins and loss in the chemicals division suggest more persistent challenges that the market expects Shell to address.