US Oil Stocks Surge on Venezuela Optimism, Then Pare Gains Amid Uncertainty

• US oil stocks like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Exxon Mobil saw premarket surges on news of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture and potential US investment.
• Gains were largely pared as caution grew over the feasibility and legality of US oil companies investing in Venezuela.
• President Trump had indicated US companies would invest billions to fix Venezuela's oil infrastructure, which holds the world's largest reserves.
• Chevron is the only US company currently operating in Venezuela; ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil are wary due to past asset nationalization and billions owed.
• Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges in a US court following his capture, a controversial US intervention.

Why It Matters: Venezuela's oil potential excites US markets, but investment faces significant legal and historical hurdles.