Top Stocks to Watch for Potential Stock Splits\n\nIn the tech space, stock-split stocks have been red hot in recent years. Companies generally opt to split their stocks because share prices reach elevated levels due to increased investor interest. While stock splits do not change a company’s fundamentals, they can make buying more appealing to a wider range of investors and increase trading volume. Lately, the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has pushed share prices for some top tech companies to lofty levels, leading to discussions about potential stock splits. Two Motley Fool contributors believe that investing in these two potential stock-splitting companies before the end of December would be a smart move.\n\nNvidia, a leading AI technology company, has seen its stock price soar in recent years. With its cutting-edge technology and impressive profits, the company’s stock has reached a relatively high valuation. This makes it a prime candidate for a stock split, which could bring added attention to the already popular stock. A lower per-share price after splitting could also attract more retail investors who may have missed out on the stock’s previous run-up. With its strong position in the growing AI market, solid profitability, and reasonable valuation, Nvidia is a top stock to consider adding to your portfolio in December.\n\nAnother company that stands out as a potential stock-split candidate is ASML. The company’s stock has climbed roughly 19% over the last year, pushing its share price to levels that may be dissuading some investors. With a current trading price of around $711 per share, ASML is a prime candidate for a stock split. The surge in excitement for AI, ASML’s stock performance over the last year has been on par with the S&P 500.”

Trading Houses Supplying Venezuela's PDVSA with Motor Fuels and Diluents\n\nTrading houses that were early buyers of Venezuelan crude following the U.S. Easing of oil sanctions in October are now supplying state company PDVSA with motor fuels and diluents for its heavy oil production. This comes as Venezuela prioritizes fuel imports to avoid shortages and replenish low inventories. The country has also begun preparing for a presidential election in late 2024.\n\nThe U.S. Issued a six-month license in October that lifted most sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry, allowing for exports of crude and gas to chosen markets, and imports of fuel from almost any source. This authorization is contingent on the fulfillment of a pact to hold a free presidential election. As a result, PDVSA has been able to negotiate deals with joint venture partners and arrange for imports from countries like Iran.\n\nIn November, PDVSA imported an average of 54,000 barrels per day of heavy naphtha and gasoline blend stock, the highest monthly figure since January. This volume excludes imports from Iran, which have decreased in the second half of the year. This month, a similar volume of heavy naphtha is scheduled to be received from Swiss-based trader Vitol, with some negotiations involving cargo swaps. Vitol has also chartered a tanker to pick up a 1 million-barrel cargo of Venezuelan heavy crude in the second half of December.\n\nExxon Mobil and Chevron have outlined cautious spending plans for 2024, with Exxon relying on acquired output to maintain growth. In the stock market, there are thousands of companies, and investors make trades based on information or other signals. With the volume of data available and complex financial terms, investing can seem daunting. This is especially true in today's market environment, which is markedly different from before the 2019 coronavirus pandemic.\n\n Trading houses are now supplying Venezuela's PDVSA with motor fuels and diluents as the country prioritizes fuel imports and prepares for a presidential election in 2024. The U.S. Easing of oil sanctions has allowed for these imports, and companies like Vitol have been able to negotiate deals with PDVSA.