Why did the Santos share price sink 6% today?

Santos shares have continued to fall for the start of this week.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Santos shares are down 14% in a week after tumbling 6.03% to $7.32 today 
  • Market volatility along with lower oil prices are impacting the company's shares 
  • The S&P/ASX 200 Energy sector is also down 5.34% today 

The Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) share price fell on Monday despite the company not releasing any announcements on the ASX.

At market close, the energy producer's shares finished 6.03% lower to $7.32 apiece.

This means Santos shares have now lost more than 14% since this time last week.

Let's take a look at what could be impacting the energy producer's shares.

man bending over to look at red arrow crashing down through the ground

Image source: Getty Images

Why are Santos shares cooling off?

Investors are offloading the Santos share price following a broader fall across the S&P/ASX 200 Energy (ASX: XEJ) index today.

Comprising 11 companies that operate in the oil, gas and coal sector, the index backtracked 5.34% to 9,574.6 points.

Interestingly, the benchmark energy index is down a mammoth 13% in the past week.

This comes after the Federal Reserve's decision to hand down a 0.75% interest rate hike that spooked financial markets.

A more aggressive monetary tightening policy to combat high inflation levels sparked worry about an impending recession in 2023.

Furthermore, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has dipped 10% from 8 June to currently US$110 per barrel.

With oil prices backtracking, this will likely put a squeeze on Santos' margins along with its peers.

Shares in fellow rival, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) also closed the day 4.86% lower.

Santos share price snapshot

It's been a rollercoaster 12 months for the Santos share price, registering nil gains for the period.

It's worth noting that the company's shares reached a 52-week low of $8.86 on 8 June before tumbling 17% to today's price.

In terms of market capitalisation, Santos is the second biggest energy company on the ASX with a valuation of approximately $26.24 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

Down 12% in a week, has the Woodside share price got further to fall?

What’s going on with Woodside?

Read more »

A woman wearing a hard hat holds two sparking wires together as energy surges between them. representing the rising Li-S Energy share price today
Broker Notes

Down 15% in 2023, why AGL shares could continue to disappoint

Don't bet on AGL performing any better in the second half.

Read more »

Miner on his tablet next to a mine site.
Energy Shares

Will the Pilbara Minerals share price crash in 2023?

Could 2023 be another year where the share price of Pilbara Minerals powers down?

Read more »

A female coal miner wearing a white hardhat and orange high-vis vest holds a lump of coal and smiles as the Whitehaven Coal share price rises today
Energy Shares

The whopper Whitehaven dividend is being paid today. Here's what you need to know

Whitehaven investors are about to get their largest interim dividend ever.

Read more »

sad party goer sitting alone after celebration
Energy Shares

Is the party well and truly over for ASX 200 coal shares?

Can these coal miners dig themselves out of this hole?

Read more »

Close up of a miner wearing a hard hat with a solemn look on his face, with an oil drill in the background.
Energy Shares

Is the Santos share price being stifled by 'reckless' growth?

Santos has a number of new, multi-billion-dollar oil and gas projects in the pipeline.

Read more »

A miner stands in front oh an excavator at a mine site
Resources Shares

Uranium and gold: What are the best ASX shares to buy for these minerals?

Here are 4 best stocks to consider if you want to cash in on the big themes of 2023.

Read more »

oil and gas worker checks phone on site in front of oil and gas equipment
Energy Shares

Why is the Woodside share price wilting 7% on Wednesday?

Is something going on with Woodside shares today?

Read more »