Generally speaking, crude oil and the energy exchange traded fund XLE have a pretty high correlation. Since mid-February, that correlation has been breaking down.

In mid-February, Light Crude Oil (WTIC) hit a low of $58.07 while XLE dropped to $63.99.

Since then, WTIC has rallied 12.88% to $65.55 while XLE has only rallied 6.22% to $67.97.

There could be one of two things going on here. Either the market doesn’t buy the global growth story and WTIC will fall back in line with XLE; or, XLE will play catch up and rally strongly to get back in line with the rally in crude.

Exxon Mobil (XOM) has also been particularly hard hit during this time, dropping just under 1% despite the nearly 13% rally in crude oil.

There is also some divergence starting to appear on the chart of XOM, with the stock trending lower, but the RSI indicator starting to trend higher. Sometimes, this can be a catalyst for higher stock prices.

XOM currently yields over 4% and covered calls can further increase the yield for income-oriented investors.

A June 15th $77.50 call currently increases the yield by over 7% p.a. while also allowing for nearly 5% upside in price.

Covered calls are a great way to increase the yield on a stock position, however they do not give the investor much downside protection.

Counting against XOM at the moment is the fact that it is below both the 50 and 200 day moving averages and the 50 recently crossed below the 200 in what is know as a Death Cross.