Shell Signals Weak Oil Trading Result to Cap Rocky Year

Shell Plc said its oil trading performance worsened in the fourth quarter as crude prices slumped, adding to signs that Big Oil is heading into a tougher earnings season.

Oil trading results for the year’s final three months are “expected to be significantly lower” than the previous quarter, Shell said in an update on Thursday, ahead of an earnings report due early next month. At the company’s troubled chemicals division, a “significant loss” is expected.