11:26 AM EST, 12/24/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were higher around midday Tuesday, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index up 0.5% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) rising 0.6%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index was adding 0.6%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities index was increasing 0.2%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil was rising 1.3% to $70.15 a barrel while the global benchmark Brent crude contract was advancing 1.2% to $73.52 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures jumped 6.5% to $3.89 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Snow Lake Energy (LITM) shares surged 54% after the company said late Monday it has secured funding to continue its 2025 exploration programs.