Three energy stocks look like bargains as the Iran conflict drags on

When a military conflict is disrupting a large part of the world and stifling the flow of oil, it can be difficult for investors to think about the long term. But you might be surprised at the action for stock prices in the S&P 500 energy sector since the U.S. and Israel began their attacks against Iran on Feb. 28. And a particular group of oil-industry stocks has been moving lower, setting up increasingly attractive buying opportunities for patient investors.

Early on Monday, continuous front-month contracts for West Texas Intermediate crude oil CL00 were trading at $103.27 a barrel, up 13.6% for the session and up 54% from a settlement price of $67.02 on Feb. 27.