Big Oil forced to confront some tough choices as 'monster profits' fade into memory
1. Oil supermajors face tough choices amid weaker crude prices. 2. Shareholder payouts, including dividends, may be reduced significantly. 3. Oil prices could fall into the $50 range next year due to oversupply. 4. Cuts in buybacks, not dividends, may be preferred to sustain returns. 5. Market sentiment remains cautious as major companies prepare for earnings reports.