Head of Commodity Strategy
Summary: Crude trades up on the day but unchanged on the week ahead of the weekly stock report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
WTI crude oil has bounced on renewed trade optimism ahead of the 'Weekly Petroleum Status Report' from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At $53.50/b the price of CLX9 is more or less unchanged from where it was this time last week. During this time the deteriorating outlook for a trade deal between the U.S. and China helped drive the price to a low $51/b. Thereby almost eclipsing the August low at $50.50/b.
However the unexpected news that China may be open to a partial deal has helped put some optimism back into not only oil but also other commodities such as soybeans. Turkish troop movements on the Syrian border are likely to further have reduced the selling appetite.
In our monthly commodity deep dive held earlier today - replay available Thursday - we highlighted the reasons why we believe that the downside risk, despite economic angst, looks limited from here. The geo-political risk premium following the September attack in Saudi Arabia has been removed but there are still several reasons why it could suddenly re-emerge. So while the pendulum continues to swing between demand and supply worries we suspect that WTI and Brent will stay range bound around $55/b and $60/b respectively.
2024: The wasted year
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
