Oil Price Analysis and News
- Pressure on OPEC to Cut is Building
- US Stockpiles Rise for 10th Consecutive Week
For a more in-depth analysis on Oil Prices, check out the Q4 Forecast for Oil
Pressure on OPEC to Cut is Building
The decline in oil prices persists with WTI and Brent crude breaking below $50 and $58 respectively. Given that there are little signs of the sell-off abating, OPEC+ members will be under increasing pressure to carry out a fresh round of oil cuts. However, judging by the recent commentary, a sizeable cut may be in doubt. Yesterday, the Nigerian Oil Minister echoed similar comments made by the Kuwaiti Oil Minister, that it is too early to say that they would be willing to participate in any cuts, while other members, including Libya and Iraq had also appeared unwilling.
Production Cut Options for December 6th:
500kbpd: A cut of this size would not be enough to lift oil and would most likely see oil prices resuming its selling. This in turn may see WTI test $42/bbl with Brent at $50/bbl.
1mbpd: This would be the bare to minimum to help ease the ongoing sell-off in oil prices, while this would also be the reversal of the 1mbpd boost in oil production by Russia and Saudi Arabia back in September.
1.4-1.5mbpd: Forecasts have suggested that anything less than a cut of 1.4-1.5mbpd would likely lead to an increase in global oil inventories in H1 2019. This would undoubtedly have the most bullish impact on prices, however, a sizeable cut would likely be highly criticized by President Trump.
US Stockpiles Rise for 10th Consecutive Week
Another rise in US crude stockpiles continues to suggest that there is an abundant supply on oil in the market as stockpiles rose for a 10th consecutive week. This was in part due to the US selling off its strategic reserves from October 1st – November 30th. However, now that the proposed sale will be coming to an end, this will be one bearish factor that will abate with the DoE data potentially beginning to report drawdowns in the near term.
Source: Refinitiv. Weekly SPR Stockpiles and Brent crude futures.
Oil Trading Guides
What Traders Need to Know When Trading the Oil Market
Important Difference Between WTI and Brent
OIL PRICE CHART: Daily Time-Frame (Oct 2012-Nov 2018)
As WTI briefly dips below $50/bbl, a close below could open up the doors for a test of crucial support situated at $47.55, which marks the 23.6% Fibonacci Retracement of the decline from 112.24 to 2758. This coincides with the rising trendline stemming from the August 2016 low.
--- Written by Justin McQueen, Market Analyst
To contact Justin, email him at Justin.mcqueen@ig.com
Follow Justin on Twitter @JMcQueenFX
