LNG shipping stocks: Post-election selloff

The UP World LNG Shipping Index fell 9.35 points (4.07%) to close at 220.05, caught in a broad risk-off week — the S&P 500 had its worst week since the April 2025 crash, down 2.68%. The decline was near-universal: breadth was just 3:18, the median fell 6%, and the weighted index (wUPI) dropped 5.5%. Two forces combined after the US mid-term elections — a weakening administration that eased geopolitical risk premiums (and so energy prices), and a tech/AI-led equity selloff that dragged shipping down in tandem. European gas prices fell 17% on higher Qatari loadings and softer Asian demand. Only three names rose: Nakilat led (+10.12%, a third straight gain on US contracts and reduced geopolitical threat) and Excelerate added 4.1% after strong quarterly results (new Bahamas contract, extended Petrobras charter to 2038, updated Colombia/Iraq start dates). The fallers were led by Tsakos (−16.7%) and BP (−11.6%), with Chevron −9.73%, the Japanese trio down 7–9.5%, and Shell, NFE, FLEX LNG and Pan Ocean each off around 8%. Dynagas (−6.9%) was pressured by European sanctions concerns and a need for a new insurer. Spot tanker rates diverged sharply — Atlantic surged to $55,250, Pacific $32,750 — reflecting Europe’s new pull.

UPI & SPX The UP World LNG Shipping Index, which tracks 21 listed LNG shipping companies, lost 9.35 points (4.07%) to close at 220.05 points, while the S&P 500 index lost 2.68%. The chart below illustrates the performance of both indices with weekly data.

Week 45-2026: Chart of the UP World LNG Shipping Index with S&P 500 (Source: UP-Indices)

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →