09:03 AM EDT, 08/25/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were edging higher pre-bell Monday, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) marginally advancing.

The United States Oil Fund (USO) was 0.4% higher and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was down 0.5%.

Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was 0.6% higher at $64.07 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil gained 0.5% to $67.55 per barrel, and natural gas futures were down 2.2% at $2.64 per 1 million British Thermal Units.

Crescent Energy ( CRGY ) and Vital Energy ( VTLE ) have entered into a definitive agreement under which Crescent will acquire Vital for around $3.1 billion in an all-stock transaction, inclusive of Vital's net debt, the companies said. Crescent Energy ( CRGY ) shares were down more than 8%, while Vital Energy ( VTLE ) stock was up more than 7% premarket.