Economic and military uncertainty clouds the outlook for Exxon, Chevron and other energy companies, whose bonanza from high prices is already fading.
Shares in the electric carmaker continued to rally after the company reported strong profits, even amid growing competition and economic pressures.
The price of oil fell by about 10 percent this week, easing (for now) supply worries about the E.U. embargo and a price cap.
Stock markets in Asia and Europe fell on Monday, as did U.S. futures and crude prices, as investors worried about the fallout of social unrest in China.
The license, limited in scope, was issued amid the resumption of talks between the Venezuelan government and opposition, and comes as President Nicolás Maduro desperately needs to improve the economy.
Exxon Mobil and Chevron reported another round of strong profits. But they face political fire over gasoline prices, even as they fear a new downturn.
A fourth straight quarter of robust results came on the back of high oil and natural gas prices.