Geopolitical risks
Search documents
Should You Invest in Crude Oil ETFs Now?
ZACKS· 2025-10-07 11:01
Group 1 - Crude oil prices increased by approximately 1% on October 5, 2025, following OPEC+'s announcement of a modest output increase of 137,000 barrels per day for November, consistent with the previous month's announcement [1][2] - OPEC+ attributed the output increase to a steady global economic outlook and healthy market fundamentals, but noted that future production adjustments may depend on market conditions, indicating a cautious stance regarding potential oversupply [2][5] - The U.S. economy is expected to slow in Q4 2025, with S&P Global Ratings projecting a growth rate of 1.9% for the year and a year-over-year real GDP growth of 1.5% in Q4, down from 2.5% in 2024 [3] Group 2 - U.S. crude oil, gasoline, and distillate inventories rose more than expected in the week ending September 26, indicating a slowdown in refining activity and consumption, with total product supplied declining by 627,000 barrels per day [4] - Geopolitical tensions in key oil-producing regions may support oil prices, as OPEC+'s production increase could be manageable amid rising supply disruptions due to sanctions against Russia and Iran [5][6] - The outlook for the oil market is moderately bearish due to concerns over potential oversupply, which may limit any positive price impacts from geopolitical risks [7]
Global Markets Brace for Impact as U.S. Government Shutdown Deepens, Supply Chains Falter, and Geopolitical Tensions Rise
Stock Market News· 2025-10-06 23:38
Government Shutdown - The U.S. federal government is in a partial shutdown for the second week due to a political stalemate, with the Senate failing to pass funding bills [2][9] - Republicans propose funding until November 21, while Democrats seek funding until October 31, contingent on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits [3] - The White House warns of potential layoffs for federal workers and critical programs may exhaust funding [3] Ford Motor Company - Ford faces significant operational disruptions expected to last for months due to a fire at its major supplier, Novelis, which supplies approximately 40% of the automotive industry's aluminum sheet demand [4][5] - Production halts for Ford's best-selling vehicles, including the F-150 pickup truck, may occur, potentially leading to temporary layoffs for thousands of workers [5] BHP Group - BHP is navigating geopolitical risks, including political interference that could jeopardize its mining agreements and a reported Chinese ban on its iron ore [6][9] - The company is also monitoring potential policy shifts under a future Trump administration, which may include tariffs affecting global trade flows [7] - A union at BHP's Cerro Colorado copper mine in Chile has rejected the latest contract offer, raising the possibility of a strike [7] Israeli and Hamas Peace Talks - Indirect peace talks between Israeli and Hamas officials have begun in Egypt, focusing on a U.S.-drafted plan to end the Gaza war [8][10] - The initial phase of the U.S. plan includes a rapid cessation of hostilities and the release of Israeli hostages, with key issues remaining around Hamas disarmament and Gaza governance [11]
Oil price outlook steady as rising supply offset by concerns over Russian output: Reuters poll
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-30 11:03
Core Viewpoint - Oil prices are expected to remain stable in 2025, with Brent crude projected to average $67.61 per barrel, slightly lower than previous forecasts, amid increasing supply from OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers, while uncertainties regarding Russian output may mitigate potential oversupply concerns [1][2]. Supply Dynamics - Brent crude was priced at $67.22, averaging around $69.90 for the year, while West Texas Intermediate is expected to average $64.39 in 2025, down from August's forecast of $64.65 [2]. - OPEC+ has agreed to increase oil production by 137,000 barrels per day starting in October, contributing to a total increase of over 2.5 million barrels per day this year, which is seen as a primary factor for a potential supply surplus [2][4]. - Analysts anticipate a demand growth of 0.7 million barrels per day this year, but this may not be sufficient to offset the rising supply [4]. Geopolitical Factors - Russian oil exports may face further restrictions due to sanctions and infrastructure issues, which could support oil prices despite the overall supply increase [3]. - Russia has announced a partial ban on diesel exports and an extension of the gasoline export ban, following attacks on its refineries [3]. Market Sentiment - Analysts express caution regarding the potential for sustained price increases due to geopolitical risks, suggesting that while short-term price spikes may occur, the overall market remains fundamentally weak due to oversupply [5].
Geopolitical Risks From Russia Boost Crude Oil Prices
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-23 19:22
Core Insights - Crude oil and gasoline prices increased sharply due to concerns over Russian crude supplies following NATO's commitment to a "robust" response to Russian airspace incursions [2][3] - Economic reports indicating weaker-than-expected manufacturing activity in the Eurozone and the US have created bearish sentiment for energy demand and crude prices [2][5] Group 1: Price Movements - November WTI crude oil closed up +1.13 (+1.81%) and November RBOB gasoline closed up +0.0218 (+1.14%) [1] - Crude prices experienced a rally after NATO's announcement regarding military options in response to Russian actions [3] Group 2: Geopolitical Factors - Ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine may lead to additional sanctions on Russian energy exports, potentially reducing global oil supplies [4] - The US proposed imposing tariffs as high as 100% on countries like China and India for purchasing Russian oil to pressure Russia into ending the conflict [4] Group 3: Economic Indicators - The US S&P manufacturing PMI for September fell -1.0 to 52.0, below expectations of 52.2, while the Eurozone's PMI fell -1.2 to 49.5, weaker than the expected no change at 50.7 [5] - Weakness in global manufacturing activity is seen as negative for energy demand and crude prices [5] Group 4: Supply Dynamics - Iraq's agreement to resume oil exports from the Kurdish region could add at least 230,000 barrels per day (bpd) to global oil supplies, limiting the upside for crude prices [6] - India's crude imports fell -2.9% year-on-year to 19.6 million metric tons (MMT) in August, indicating reduced demand from one of the world's largest crude oil importers [7]
Crude Prices Gain on Concern About Tighter Global Supplies
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-15 19:19
Group 1: Oil Supply and Demand Dynamics - A decrease in crude oil held on tankers worldwide is bullish for oil prices, with a reported decline of -7.2% week-over-week to 67.96 million barrels as of September 12 [1] - Weaker-than-expected global economic indicators, including a drop in the US Empire manufacturing survey and lower-than-expected industrial production in China, are bearish for energy demand and crude prices [2] - Ukraine's intensified attacks on Russian oil infrastructure are expected to curb Russian crude exports, tightening global oil supplies and supporting crude prices [3] Group 2: Geopolitical Factors - Escalating geopolitical risks in Europe and the Middle East are bullish for crude prices, with incidents such as Poland shooting down Russian drones and Israeli strikes in Qatar contributing to market uncertainty [6] - Concerns over potential new sanctions on Russian energy exports due to the ongoing war in Ukraine are providing additional support for crude prices [5] Group 3: OPEC+ Production Decisions - OPEC+ has agreed to raise crude production by 137,000 barrels per day starting in October, which is less than the previous increases, indicating a cautious approach to market conditions [7] - Concerns about a global oil glut are emerging as the International Energy Agency raised its 2026 global crude surplus estimate to 3.33 million barrels per day, reflecting OPEC+'s plans to revive production [7][8] Group 4: US Oil Inventory and Production - Recent EIA reports indicate that US crude oil inventories are -3.2% below the seasonal 5-year average, with gasoline and distillate inventories also below their respective averages [9] - The number of active US oil rigs has increased slightly, rising by +2 to 416 rigs, although this remains above a 4-year low [10]
Crude Prices Gain on Prospects of Smaller Russian Crude Exports
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-12 19:18
Core Insights - Crude oil and gasoline prices increased due to concerns over declining Russian oil exports, which may limit global oil supplies [2][4] - The US proposed imposing tariffs up to 100% on China and India for purchasing Russian oil to pressure Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict [2] - Geopolitical tensions, including Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure and military actions in the Middle East, are contributing to bullish sentiment in crude oil prices [5] Price Movements - October WTI crude oil closed up by $0.32 (+0.51%) and October RBOB gasoline closed up by $0.0061 (+0.31%) [1] - The S&P 500's rally to a new record high indicates confidence in the economic outlook, which supports energy demand and crude prices [2] Supply Dynamics - Reduced Russian crude output is tightening global oil supplies, with processing runs dropping to 5.09 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, the lowest in over 3.25 years [4] - Ongoing geopolitical risks in Europe and the Middle East are expected to further support crude prices [5] Economic Indicators - A stronger dollar and a decline in the University of Michigan US consumer sentiment index to 55.4, a four-month low, are limiting gains in crude prices [4]
Dollar Falls on Fed-Friendly US Economic Reports and Euro Strength
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-11 19:31
Group 1: Euro and ECB - The euro rose by +0.37% after the ECB kept interest rates unchanged and raised its 2025 Eurozone GDP forecast to +1.2% from +0.9% [1][5] - ECB President Lagarde indicated that the disinflationary process is over, suggesting that the ECB is done cutting interest rates [1][5] - The ECB maintained its 2025 Eurozone inflation ex-food and energy estimate at 2.4% [5] Group 2: US Economic Indicators - US August CPI increased to +2.9% y/y from +2.7% y/y in July, aligning with expectations [3] - Weekly initial unemployment claims rose by +27,000 to a 3.75-year high of 263,000, indicating a weaker labor market than anticipated [3][4] - The markets are pricing in a -73 bp rate cut in the federal funds rate by year-end, reducing it to 3.60% from the current 4.33% [2] Group 3: Dollar and Fed Expectations - The dollar index fell by -0.28% as jobless claims rose unexpectedly and CPI met expectations, reinforcing the likelihood of a 25 bp rate cut by the Fed [4] - The dollar is under pressure from increased expectations for Fed easing and concerns over Fed independence [3][4] Group 4: Precious Metals Market - Gold prices closed down -0.23% while silver prices rose +1.32%, reflecting mixed performance in precious metals [9] - Gold demand is supported by geopolitical risks in Europe and increased purchases by China's central bank, which raised its gold reserves to 74.02 million troy ounces [10] - Fund buying of precious metal ETFs has led to gold holdings reaching a 2.25-year high and silver holdings a 3-year high [12]
Crude Prices Retreat on Fears of a Global Supply Glut
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-11 19:16
Group 1: Price Movements - October WTI crude oil closed down -1.30 (-2.04%) and October RBOB gasoline closed down -0.0287 (-1.43%) [1] - Crude oil and gasoline prices fell sharply due to concerns about a global crude supply glut and a rise in US jobless claims [2][3] Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The IEA increased its 2026 global crude surplus estimate to 3.33 million bpd, which is +360,000 bpd higher than previously anticipated [3] - OPEC+ agreed to raise crude production by 137,000 bpd starting in October, which is significantly lower than the previous increases [5] - Reduced Russian crude output and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have tightened global oil supplies, supporting prices [5] Group 3: Geopolitical Factors - Escalation of geopolitical risks in Europe and the Middle East is bullish for crude prices, with tensions rising due to recent military actions [4] - The conflict in the Middle East, a region that supplies about one-third of global oil, poses additional risks to oil supply stability [4]
Crude Prices Tumble as IEA Boosts Its Global Oil Surplus Estimate
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-11 15:30
Group 1 - Crude oil and gasoline prices are experiencing significant declines due to concerns over a global supply glut, with the IEA increasing its 2026 global oil surplus estimate to 3.33 million bpd, which is 360,000 bpd higher than previously anticipated [2][3] - The rise in weekly jobless claims in the US to a 3.75-year high is raising concerns about economic growth and energy demand, contributing to the downward pressure on crude prices [2] - Geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East are providing some support for crude prices, as escalations could disrupt oil supplies from these regions [4] Group 2 - OPEC+ has agreed to raise crude production by 137,000 bpd starting in October, which is significantly lower than the previous increases of 547,000 bpd in August and September, indicating a cautious approach to market conditions [5] - Reduced Russian crude output due to ongoing conflicts and sanctions is tightening global oil supplies, which is supportive of prices, with Russian crude-processing runs dropping to 5.09 million bpd, the lowest in over 3.25 years [5][6] - The ongoing war in Ukraine raises concerns about potential additional sanctions on Russian energy exports, which could further reduce global oil supplies [6]
Dollar Little Changed Ahead of the US August CPI Report
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-10 19:32
Group 1 - The dollar index rose by +0.03% due to increased safe-haven demand from geopolitical risks in Europe, particularly after Poland shot down Russian drones [1] - The dollar's gains were limited as bond yields declined following a weaker-than-expected US August PPI report, which solidified expectations for a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed at the upcoming FOMC meeting [1][4] - The US final-demand August PPI eased to +2.6% year-on-year from +3.1% year-on-year in July, which was below expectations of +3.3% year-on-year [3] Group 2 - Markets are currently pricing in a 100% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut and a 12% chance of a 50 basis point rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on September 16-17 [4] - Following the anticipated 25 basis point rate cut at the September meeting, markets are discounting a 79% chance of a second 25 basis point cut at the October 28-29 meeting [4] - Overall, markets are pricing in a total reduction of 74 basis points in the federal funds rate by year-end, bringing it down to 3.64% from the current 4.38% [4] Group 3 - The EUR/USD fell by -0.09% due to escalating geopolitical risks in Europe, particularly after Poland's actions against Russian drones [5] - The euro is under pressure as geopolitical tensions rise, with long liquidation and position squaring affecting the currency ahead of the ECB meeting [5] - Losses in the euro were somewhat mitigated after the dollar slipped following the weaker-than-expected US August PPI report [5]