Global Economics Update What to make of the recent jump in oil prices The latest rise in oil prices reflects concerns about Kurdish supply and hopes for another extension of OPEC’s output cuts, neither of which may have a lasting influence on prices. But the oil market... 26th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report Last week’s increase in US crude stocks is mainly due to the lingering impact of Hurricane Harvey. Demand for petroleum products remains reasonably strong, which should help the market rebalance. 20th September 2017 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Will new Chinese crude contracts be a game-changer? A new, yuan-denominated crude futures contract should have no impact on oil prices. The development of more futures contracts makes sense given China’s high consumption of most major commodities and... 19th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report As we expected crude oil production rebounded last week but many refineries remained shut, swelling crude stocks and pulling down gasoline inventories. Next week’s report should show a significant... 13th 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
OPEC Watch Lower OPEC production likely to be temporary OPEC production fell last month, but early indicators suggest that it is likely to rebound in September. Unless output falls significantly over the next six months, stocks will remain above their five... 12th September 2017 · 1 min read
Asia Chart Pack Will tougher sanctions on North Korea work? The United Nations has agreed a new set of sanctions on North Korea, which while falling short of what was originally demanded by the US, constitute the strongest sanctions ever imposed on the country... 12th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report Refinery shutdowns due to Hurricane Harvey caused a surge in crude oil stocks but a slump in gasoline inventories last week. Stocks are likely to be exceptionally volatile over the next month. 7th September 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report A sharp drop in imports and jump in demand from refineries helped to drain stocks last week. But the market’s focus remains on the impact of Hurricane Harvey. 30th August 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
Commodities Weekly Metals on a roll The prices of most commodities – notably industrial metals – rose this week. While fundamentals have been supportive, we think that the most recent rallies in prices have been exaggerated by... 25th August 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report Another fall in US crude stocks means that inventories are now about 30 million barrels below last year’s level. Crude stocks are likely to continue to fall over the next few months as demand remains... 23rd August 2017 · 1 min read
Latin America Economic Outlook Recovery to strengthen over coming year After a torrid couple of years, the economies of Latin America have turned a corner and we expect growth to strengthen over the rest of 2017 and into 2018. Inflation has fallen in most countries and... 23rd August 2017 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Speculators give a boost to industrial metals prices The performance of commodities was mixed this week. Softer Chinese activity and construction data for July did little to cool the rally in industrial metals prices whilst increasing geopolitical risks... 18th 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
OPEC Watch Rising OPEC production puts market rebalancing at risk Another rise in OPEC’s production in July has not helped the group’s efforts to rebalance the oil market. However, strong demand and slower growth in non-OPEC output should still help to reduce stocks... 10th August 2017 · 1 min read
