Fact Check: Shell shares fell 2.6% amid acquisition discussions.

Fact Check: "Shell shares fell 2.6% amid acquisition discussions"

What We Know

The claim that "Shell shares fell 2.6% amid acquisition discussions" is not supported by recent market data. In fact, on May 2, 2025, Shell reported a strong first-quarter profit of $5.58 billion, which exceeded analyst expectations of $5.09 billion. Following this announcement, Shell's shares actually increased by 2.6% at 1:52 p.m. London time, contrary to the claim that they fell (CNBC). Additionally, Shell announced a $3.5 billion share buyback program, reinforcing investor confidence in the company's financial health and strategic direction (CNBC).

Analysis

The assertion that Shell shares fell 2.6% is misleading and factually incorrect. The source of the claim does not provide any evidence or context to support such a statement. Instead, the data from a reputable financial news outlet indicates that Shell's shares rose by 2.6% following the announcement of its financial results and share buyback plan (CNBC).

The reliability of the source reporting the claim is questionable, as it does not align with the verified information from multiple credible financial news outlets. In financial reporting, accuracy is paramount, and the discrepancy between the claim and the actual market behavior raises concerns about the credibility of the original source.

Conclusion

The claim that "Shell shares fell 2.6% amid acquisition discussions" is False. The evidence clearly shows that Shell's shares increased by 2.6% in response to positive earnings reports and a new share buyback initiative. The lack of supporting evidence for the claim and the presence of verified data from credible sources further substantiate this conclusion.