Energy Update US rig count continues to drop Another large fall in the US active rig count last week has disappointed those who had hoped it was stabilising. But they probably won’t have to wait too much longer to see a floor. 28th April 2015 · 1 min read
Global Central Bank Watch Has the threat of deflation passed already? Signs that price pressures have picked up a bit during the past month or two have prompted some to suggest that the threat of deflation has vanished almost as suddenly as it appeared. We disagree. In... 27th April 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Relative calm unlikely to last In a relatively quiet week, oil prices consolidated their recent gains as the consensus swung round to our view that the lows recorded in Q1 would prove to be the turning point. However, powerful... 24th April 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Watch Return of Iranian oil unlikely to budge Saudi Arabia The recent deal between Iran and the West means that it is now very likely that substantial volumes of oil from Iran will return to the market. (We do note that although a final deal is not guaranteed... 23rd April 2015 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Chart Pack Region’s politics take another twist The conflict in Yemen and an outline nuclear agreement between Iran and the West has thrust the region’s politics back into the spotlight. Although it looks like problems in Yemen are likely to drag... 23rd April 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report Today’s data provide more evidence that US oil production is beginning to decline in response to lower prices rather than weather-related blips. 22nd April 2015 · 1 min read
Emerging Europe Economics Update The EC’s case against Gazprom – the key points The European Commission today charged Gazprom with abusing its dominant position in Eastern Europe’s gas market. In this Update, we answer five key questions about the decision and the implications... 22nd April 2015 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Reasons to remain upbeat on Mexico Despite a recession in the mining sector and an impending fiscal squeeze, we remain upbeat about Mexico. A gradual improvement in the labour market and a likely recovery in the US, after a weak start... 21st April 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Update Oil prices still face many headwinds The rebound in the last few weeks has lifted oil prices above our current end-2015 projections for Brent and WTI, but we are in no rush to change them. Some major headwinds both on the supply and... 20th April 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Recovery in oil prices gathers pace Oil prices rose sharply in the past week, supported by further evidence that US production and crude stocks are close to peaking – if they have not done so already. The recent stability of the US... 17th April 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Weekly Will QE spur a revival in investment? The risks of a Greek default and possible euro-zone exit rose further last week as its creditors made clear that a bailout disbursement was unlikely in the near term. Despite this, ECB President Mario... 17th April 2015 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC production boosted by record Saudi output Last month’s increase in supply from OPEC just adds to the glut of oil already in the market. And although the cartel has also boosted its demand estimates for this year, global supply should still be... 16th April 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Chart Pack Ups and downs in the Middle East drive oil prices The biggest news in the energy market over the last month has undoubtedly been the rebound in oil prices, which came despite the announcement of a preliminary deal between Iran and the West. However... 16th April 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report Today’s data add to evidence that US oil production may be slowing more quickly than the market had anticipated. Coupled with further signs of a revival in demand this should support prices in the... 15th April 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Weaker dollar provides a breather Commodity prices have generally risen since the middle of March, supported by a slightly weaker dollar. However, concerns about Chinese demand have weighed on the prices of some commodities... 14th April 2015 · 1 min read
Europe Data Response Euro-zone Industrial Production (Feb.) February’s strong rise in euro-zone industrial production suggested that industry is starting to feel the benefits of a weaker euro and a lower oil price. 14th April 2015 · 1 min read