03:25 PM EDT, 03/28/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were lower late Friday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index shedding 0.6% and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) down 0.5%

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index dropped 2.1%, while the Dow Jones US Utilities index added 0.9%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil declined 1% to $69.24 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract shed 1% to $72.63 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures climbed 3.6% to $4.07 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, EQT (EQT) is expected to report a strong operational quarter, with cash flow per share and production likely exceeding Street estimates, UBS said in an earnings preview. The firm reiterated its neutral rating on the stock with a price target of $58. EQT shares rose 1.3%.