Summary Gasoline prices are down again due to global demand concerns. The average US retail gas price is $3.3, down from nearly $3.8 in May. This year, energy is the worst-performing sector, as investors view oil as cyclical after 2008 and 2020 despite its historically non-cyclical pattern. The Federal Reserve's surprisingly quick dovish shift and geopolitical should encourage investors to look toward supply side inflation hedges. Chevron's strong balance sheet, low debt-to-equity ratio, and strategic acquisitions position it well for future growth despite its slightly higher valuation. In a recession, Chevron's diversified operations and consistent dividend make it a safer bet, particularly given US drilling activity has already declined due to concerns of a slowdown that may not occur. N