Energy Update Should the oil market worry about sanctions on Iran? If President Trump refuses to waive the sanctions on Iran’s oil exports then we would expect oil prices to rise. However, it is not clear that Congress would vote to re-impose sanctions on the country... 6th October 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Oil demand rises as global economy strengthens Global oil demand was given a boost in the second quarter of this year largely due to a stronger global economy. The latest data point to a bright outlook for oil demand over the next year as the... 28th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Should we expect the rise in coal prices to continue? We are revising our coal price forecast up to take account of the recent rise in prices. However, increasing supply, slowing Chinese demand and more efficient energy alternatives are all likely to... 19th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update OPEC open to extending output deal OPEC has recently been hinting that it may prolong its production cuts. However, some members are planning to increase output next year and compliance with the current agreement will probably have to... 13th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Hurricane Harvey to depress US oil demand Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are likely to have a larger negative impact on US oil demand than on oil production over the next few months, which could delay market rebalancing. 6th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Brent-WTI spread likely to narrow Higher crude exports, falling stocks and the return of refineries shuttered by Hurricane Harvey should all help to boost WTI prices and narrow the Brent-WTI spread over the rest of the year. 29th August 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Brent backwardation should help to reduce oil stocks The recent backwardation in the Brent futures curve will encourage traders to continue to draw down stocks over the next few months, which should support spot prices. 17th August 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Falling stocks to support oil prices, even if the dollar rises again A weaker US dollar has given some support to oil prices over the last month. However, the inverse relationship is likely to break down again over the next year as rising US interest rates support the... 10th August 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update How strong is demand for coal, really? The lack of timely coal consumption data on a monthly basis – at least at a global level – makes it difficult to determine changes in coal demand in the short term. Our new Capital Economics World... 4th August 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Strong export demand to support US natural gas prices A surge in demand for US natural gas from Mexico and Canada as well as bourgeoning shipments of LNG to Europe and Asia should give a boost to natural gas prices over the next year. 27th July 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Four key risks facing the oil market The oil market’s attention is firmly on rising production in the US and the outlook for stocks there. However, there are a number of risks elsewhere which are potentially being overlooked and which... 20th July 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Government intervention in the coal market could backfire Coal prices have been boosted recently by a series of temporary factors. However, supply is growing quickly, which is raising the risk of a sharp drop in prices once demand drops back. 18th July 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Will US shale continue to flood the oil market? US shale production growth is likely to slow sharply towards the end of the year as the recent low prices cap the number of drilling rigs. What’s more, fewer efficiency gains will start to weigh on... 29th June 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update How low will oil prices go this time? Fears about unrelenting growth in US oil production have pulled down oil prices again, despite stocks beginning to fall. However, faster demand growth combined with OPEC’s production cuts should be... 22nd June 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Oil demand to rise after a poor start to the year Global oil demand was disappointing in the first quarter of this year. Indeed, this is one reason why prices have continued to fall despite OPEC and some major non-OPEC producers extending their... 21st June 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Update Is the optimism over coal demand justified? Hotter weather and faster economic growth have led to hopes that demand for coal will rise this year. However, improvements in energy efficiency and the rapid growth in renewable power mean that coal... 15th June 2017 · 1 min read
