Core Viewpoint - Oil prices experienced a slight increase due to geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East, despite concerns regarding potential increases in oil supply and the impact of trade tariffs on global fuel demand [1] Group 1: Geopolitical Factors - Geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East are contributing to the upward pressure on oil prices [1] Group 2: Supply and Demand Concerns - There are concerns about the prospect of increased oil supply which may counterbalance the price increase [1] - Trade tariffs are raising concerns about their potential impact on global fuel demand [1]

Report Summary Investment Rating - Short - term: Oil prices are expected to fluctuate with a slight upward trend; Medium - term: Bearish allocation [3] Core View - Tensions in the Middle East show no sign of easing. The IAEA's announcement that Iran violated the nuclear non - proliferation treaty adds pressure on Iran. The probability of a US - Iran nuclear deal is low unless Iran makes major concessions. However, there is great uncertainty between geopolitical escalation and supply impact. Without threats to supply or key shipping routes, it's difficult for oil prices to have a trend - like increase [2] Market News and Key Data - **Oil Futures Prices**: On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the July - delivery light - sweet crude oil futures price fell 11 cents to $68.04 per barrel, a 0.16% decline; the August - delivery Brent crude oil futures price on the London market dropped 41 cents to $69.36 per barrel, a 0.59% decline. The SC crude oil main contract rose 0.67% to 494 yuan per barrel [1] - **IAEA Resolution**: The IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution stating that Iran violated nuclear non - proliferation obligations for the first time in nearly 20 years. Iran condemned it as a "political" decision and plans counter - measures [1] - **G7 on Russian Oil Price Cap**: Most G7 countries plan to lower the price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decides to withdraw. The current $60 per - barrel cap is almost ineffective due to falling global oil prices [1] - **Israel's Military Consideration**: Israel is considering military action against Iran in the coming days. The US may play a logistical role and share intelligence. Trump said there's a possibility of large - scale conflict in the Middle East [1] - **Singapore Fuel Inventory**: As of the week ending June 11, Singapore's fuel oil inventory rose 1.133 million barrels to 23.714 million barrels (a 7 - week high), light distillates inventory increased 232,000 barrels to 13.334 million barrels (a 3 - week high), and middle distillates inventory rose 1.475 million barrels to 10.715 million barrels (a 13 - week high) [1] - **US Jobless Claims**: The number of initial jobless claims in the US remained stable at a high level. As of the week ending June 7, it was 248,000 after seasonal adjustment, against a market expectation of 240,000 [1]

Market Trends & Geopolitical Tensions - Geopolitical tensions are weighing on the markets, potentially causing a pause or reversal in the US market rally [1][2] - Rising oil prices are not good news for US inflation [2] - The working assumption is that tariffs will remain at 10%, but there could be surprises causing downside market pressure [3][4] - Possibility of a "taco trade" scenario, suggesting potential for policy shifts [4][5] Investment Opportunities - Defense is an area where many governments, especially in Europe, are increasing spending, presenting a secular trend [6] - Increased defense spending has positive implications for the wider European industrial sector, particularly for countries like Germany [7]