01:21 PM EDT, 09/09/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Energy stocks were higher Tuesday afternoon, with the NYSE Energy Sector Index and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) each rising 1.3%.

The Philadelphia Oil Service Sector index was adding 0.7%, and the Dow Jones US Utilities index was up 0.6%.

Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil was rising 0.9% to $62.83 a barrel, and the global benchmark Brent crude contract was advancing 0.8% to $66.56 a barrel. Henry Hub natural gas futures were gaining 0.2% to $3.10 per 1 million BTU.

In corporate news, Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) is buying a battery materials factory in Hopkinsville, Kentucky from Superior Graphite, Bloomberg reported, citing an interview with Dave Andrews, Exxon's vice president for new market development. The oil giant plans to begin making synthetic graphite at the plant at commercial levels in 2029, the report said. Exxon shares rose 1.3%.