BP shares jump 7% on report it is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell

The BP logo is displayed outside a petrol station that also offers electric vehicle recharging, on Feb. 27, 2025, in Somerset, England.

Anna Barclay | Getty Images News | Getty Images

BP shares jumped Wednesday on a report that the oil major is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell.

People familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that talks between BP and Shell are active but a deal is far from certain. The talks are progressing slowly, one person told the Journal.

BP shares were last up about 7%. The British oil major is currently valued at nearly $85 billion.

This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.

Source

World

This chemical stock has the potential for a big turnaround higher, says Katie Stockton

February 2, 2026

The materials sector is showing signs of life with an impressive 8.64% gain for the S & P 500 Materials Index in January. This strength reflects improved long-term momentum for the sector, both on an absolute basis and relative to the S & P 500 Index (SPX) . This prompted us to review the sector […]

World

China gloom: The ‘Are you dead?’ app is dead and a ‘crying horse’ plushie is selling out

February 2, 2026

While Americans worry about inflation and affordability, the Chinese are fretting about deflation and a down economy. To get a sense of Chinese consumer confidence today, visit Beijing toy seller Gao Lan, where a frowning horse plushie is selling out for the Year of the Horse. According to state media, a factory worker mistakenly sewed […]

World

Two ways for U.S. investors to cash in on the weak dollar

February 2, 2026

A weak U.S. dollar that’s expected to soften further could mean it’s time for investors to look abroad for opportunities, according to Oppenheimer. The U.S. greenback has declined considerably over the last year, and posted wild moves just in the last month following an escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland and […]