RT Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello)Price increases since the start of the Iran war...European Natural Gas: +85%Heating Oil: +80%Brent Crude Oil: +54%Urea: +48%WTI Crude Oil: +46%Gasoline: +44%Diesel: +42%Sulfur: +25%Coal: +24%Fertilizer: +23%Palm Oil: +13%US Natural Gas: +8%Iron Ore: +7%Rice: +7% ...

Stocks slid, while gold and crude oil soared, after the US and Israel launched widespread strikes on Iran. The US dollar spiked, while Treasuries sold off modestly. To get more articles and chart analysis from MoneyShow, subscribe to our Top Pros’ Top Picks newsletter here.) Over the weekend, President Trump ordered missile, fighter, and bomber strikes on a wide range of Iranian targets. Israel joined the attacks, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other military and po ...

Summary of Key Points from the Energy Outlook Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the energy sector, particularly oil and gas markets, with projections for 2026 regarding Brent and WTI crude oil prices, refining margins, and natural gas prices. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Oil Price Projections for 2026** - Brent crude is expected to average $60 per barrel, while WTI is projected at $57 per barrel due to a surplus of 2 million barrels per day (b/d) in the oil market [2][9][20] - Oil demand is anticipated to grow by approximately 1 million b/d, with non-OPEC+ supply increasing by about 800,000 b/d [2][9] 2. **Geopolitical Risks** - Geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Venezuela, Iran, and Russia, pose significant risks to oil supply and prices [2][3] - The potential for a spike in prices exists if geopolitical tensions escalate, but a peaceful resolution in Ukraine could lead to lower fuel prices [3] 3. **Refining Margins** - Refining margins are expected to remain strong in 2026, with ULSD-Brent cracks projected at $32 per barrel and RBOB-Brent cracks at $17 per barrel [4][9] - Limited refining capacity additions and ongoing military tensions are likely to support these margins [4] 4. **Natural Gas Market Outlook** - US natural gas prices are projected to average $4 per MMBtu in 2026, with a potential spike in European TTF prices if cold weather occurs [5][9] - US gas supply is expected to increase by 2.5 Bcf/d, driven by rising LNG exports [5][9] 5. **Economic Growth and Demand** - Global GDP is forecasted to grow by 3.3% in 2026, which should support oil demand growth despite potential economic slowdowns [3][9] - The macroeconomic environment is expected to be supportive for commodities, although energy markets will face challenges from excess supply and geopolitical risks [11][12] Additional Important Insights 1. **Strategic Inventory Accumulation** - China's strategic accumulation of oil inventories is likely to continue, which has kept oil markets tight despite excess supply [28][30] - This accumulation reflects a long-term strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks [28] 2. **Impact of OPEC+** - OPEC+ is expected to manage oil price volatility actively, which may create both a ceiling and floor on crude prices [20] - The organization’s self-interest in maintaining price levels is crucial, especially given rising borrowing requirements [3] 3. **Market Dynamics** - The report highlights that while oil prices are under pressure from excess supply, geopolitical shocks can lead to significant price fluctuations [20] - The balance of supply and demand remains loose, suggesting a bearish outlook for oil prices in the near term [20] 4. **Refining Capacity and Market Conditions** - The refining sector is facing challenges due to geopolitical tensions and limited capacity growth, which could support higher margins [4][9] 5. **Long-term Projections** - The report indicates that while immediate conditions may be challenging, the long-term outlook for energy markets remains influenced by geopolitical developments and strategic stockpiling efforts [11][12] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the energy outlook conference call, providing insights into the expected trends and risks in the oil and gas markets for 2026.

Core Insights - The current energy constraints are impacting various sectors, particularly data centers and the commodity market, with significant implications for supply and investment [1][6][9] - A broad bull market in commodities is emerging, with notable increases in prices for gold, base metals, and agricultural products, while crude oil remains a laggard [2][11] - The overall commodity complex has seen a 25% increase this year, indicating physical supply constraints that are affecting market dynamics [3][11] Commodity Market Dynamics - The commodity market is experiencing a resurgence, with copper prices nearing $11,000 per tonne, which may stimulate new projects, although there is a lack of available projects even at higher price levels [8][14] - Investment in upstream oil projects is lacking, with no new major projects anticipated beyond March next year, leading to a potential supply deficit [5][6] - The focus on returning value to shareholders rather than overspending is creating a supply shortage in the commodity market [6][11] Investment Considerations - The current investment landscape is characterized by a shift towards raw materials and commodity equities, as these are expected to provide better returns amid rising prices [18][20] - The anticipated price for copper could reach $15,000 per tonne in the next 2 to 3 years, driven by demand and supply constraints [14][17] - The volatility of commodities presents both risks and opportunities, with direct ownership of commodities offering potential for short-term gains while equities provide long-term price exposure [19][20]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Global Commodities - **Key Focus**: Oil and Natural Gas Markets, Commodities Price Forecasts Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Oil Demand Growth**: Global oil demand expanded by 520 thousand barrels per day (kbd) year-over-year in September, with visible global liquids stocks rising by 72 million barrels (mb) [2] 2. **Ukraine's Strategic Shift**: Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, indicating a strategic shift that could impact global energy markets [1] 3. **Fed's Rate-Cutting Cycle**: The Federal Reserve's cutting cycle began, historically leading to positive returns in commodities. Commodities averaged +15% returns nine months after similar cycles in 1995 and 2024 [5] 4. **Recession Risks**: Recession risks are elevated at 40%, with potential negative impacts on commodities if offsetting Chinese stimulus is not present [5] 5. **Inflation Concerns**: The risk of renewed inflation is high at 45%, particularly in the US, which may affect commodity prices [5] 6. **Natural Gas Storage Trends**: Weekly storage injections for natural gas are expected to be in the range of 70-90 Bcf through mid-October, with a preliminary estimate of a 73 Bcf injection for the upcoming report [9] 7. **Base vs. Precious Metals Performance**: There is a notable divergence in performance between base and precious metals following the first rate cut, with precious metals generally performing better [9] 8. **US Crude Output Resilience**: US crude output has remained resilient, averaging close to 300 kbd year-over-year from January to August 2025, with no significant pullback in operator activity [12] 9. **Permian Basin Activity**: Permitting data shows no signs of a slowdown in activity in the Permian Basin, with permit volumes 6% higher than the previous year [12] Additional Important Insights 1. **Global Commodity Open Interest**: The estimated value of global commodity market open interest surged to a 2025 year-to-date high, increasing by 4.1% week-over-week to $1.59 trillion [11] 2. **Natural Gas Market Dynamics**: Solar energy generation is significantly impacting realized and forecast gas-fired power generation, especially during the shoulder season [9] 3. **Metals Market Trends**: Industrial metals are lagging behind precious metals, with base metals like aluminum, zinc, and nickel consistently underperforming compared to copper [9] 4. **Price Forecasts**: Forecasts for WTI crude and Brent crude prices are projected to decline to $57 and $61 per barrel respectively by Q4 2025 [13] This summary encapsulates the critical insights and trends discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of the global commodities market.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the commodities market, particularly gold, amidst ongoing economic transitions and geopolitical tensions [2][3][4]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Transition from Tariff Uncertainty**: The shift from tariff uncertainty to reality has stabilized economic indicators, reducing the perceived probability of a US recession, although it remains above historical averages [2][3]. 2. **Modest Returns Expected**: The base case for commodities suggests only modest positive returns over the next year, with a bullish outlook on gold, copper, and US natural gas, while oil markets face oversupply [4][10]. 3. **Gold as a Safe Haven**: Gold is highlighted as a high-conviction long recommendation, with potential prices exceeding $4,000 per ounce by mid-2026, driven by increased private and central bank demand [10][28]. 4. **Risks of Supply Concentration**: The concentration of commodity supply in geopolitical hotspots increases the risk of price spikes and supply disruptions, particularly in oil and gas markets [15][17]. 5. **3D Structural Trends**: Three structural trends are identified that could tighten commodity markets: - **De-risking Energy**: Increased investment in energy security is expected to boost demand for copper, particularly for power grid infrastructure [17]. - **Defense Spending**: Rising military expenditures in Europe are projected to increase demand for industrial metals, with estimates of cumulative demand boosts by 2027 [22]. - **Dollar Diversification**: Central banks are diversifying reserves into gold, especially after the freezing of Russian dollar assets, which has significantly increased gold purchases [27]. Additional Important Insights 1. **Inflation and Fed Independence**: A scenario where the Federal Reserve's independence is compromised could lead to higher inflation and a decline in the dollar's reserve status, further driving demand for gold [10][28]. 2. **Potential for Price Spikes**: The risk of supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions could lead to significant price volatility in commodities, as seen during the 2022 energy crisis [4][7]. 3. **Copper Demand Growth**: Strong demand for copper is anticipated, driven by infrastructure investments, with projections of price increases to $10,750 per ton by 2027 [17][22]. 4. **Central Bank Purchases**: Central banks are expected to continue strong gold purchases, contributing to a bullish outlook for gold prices, with forecasts of $3,700 by the end of 2025 and $4,000 by mid-2026 [27][28]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, focusing on the commodities market dynamics, particularly gold, and the associated risks and opportunities.

Investment Rating - The report maintains an Overweight (OW) rating for various companies across the energy sub-sectors, indicating a positive outlook for investment opportunities in the sector [94][95]. Core Insights - The energy sector has performed in line with the broader market year-to-date, with rising geopolitical risks and stronger oil prices contributing to this performance [15][17]. - The report highlights a preference for natural gas exposure over oil, particularly in the Exploration & Production (E&P) segment, due to expected gas deficits and oversupply in the oil market [103][95]. - The refining and marketing sub-sector is expected to benefit from summer travel demand and tight product inventories, supporting margins [115][117]. Energy Performance & Valuation - Energy sub-sectors are near 10-year median EV/EBITDA multiples, with services stocks at the low end of historical ranges [17]. - The report forecasts a median free cash flow (FCF) yield of 11% at $65 WTI, with variations based on oil price scenarios [103][110]. Commodities and Macro Outlook - WTI oil prices have rallied approximately 25% since early May, driven by a tight crude market and geopolitical tensions [24][31]. - The report anticipates a surplus in the oil market in the second half of 2025, while a natural gas deficit is expected to re-emerge [103][42]. Sub-Sector Views Exploration & Production - The report emphasizes a defensive bias and preference for U.S. gas exposure over oil, with EQT identified as a top pick [95][111]. - Oil producers with a positive rate of change are favored, with Devon Energy (DVN) and Permian Resources (PR) highlighted for their strong performance [95][111]. Refining & Marketing - The summer travel season is expected to provide a demand boost, with product inventories remaining tight [115][117]. - Key stock plays include Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) and HF Sinclair Corp (DINO) due to their operational strengths [115][117]. Energy Services - The report suggests maintaining exposure to defensive and diverse characteristics, with Baker Hughes (BKR) and Schlumberger (SLB) as preferred stocks [95][130]. - The energy services sector is trading at historically low valuations compared to the S&P, indicating potential upside [124][132]. Midstream Energy - Midstream energy infrastructure is viewed as misvalued, with expectations for strong free cash flow and high dividend yields [136][142]. - Key stocks in this segment include Targa Resources Corp (TRGP), Oneok Inc. (OKE), and Energy Transfer LP (ET) [142].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a firm floor for Brent crude prices in the range of $55-60 and WTI prices in the range of $50-55 [5] Core Insights - Global oil demand increased by 400 thousand barrels per day (kbd) in May, averaging 103.6 million barrels per day (mbd), although this was 250 kbd below expectations [5] - Total liquid inventories globally built by 10 million barrels (mb) in May, with crude oil stocks rising by 3 mb and oil product inventories increasing by 7 mb [5] - The report anticipates a 2.6 mbd surplus in crude oil by the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by rising OECD inventories and a flattening crude curve [5] Oil Market Analysis - Front-month crude prices remain resilient despite accelerated OPEC supply hikes [5] - Five conditions are identified for crude prices to reflect year-end weakness, with expectations that only two will occur: a surge in OECD inventories and a flattening crude curve [5] - Limited potential for run increases due to refinery closures in the US and Europe, capacity constraints in Russia, and export restrictions in China [5] Agricultural Market Insights - The USDA's June 12 WASDE report is viewed as a major bullish event risk for CBOT Corn prices, with a significant increase in US corn export targets [6] - US wheat export sales remain competitive, prompting an increase in old crop US wheat exports [6] - A tighter US cotton balance is expected due to rising export demand [6] Natural Gas Market Dynamics - The European natural gas market is influenced by supply factors following the decline in Russian pipeline flows, with a focus on demand dynamics [7] - The report introduces a European natural gas demand and storage tracker to monitor weekly demand and storage dynamics in key regions [7] LNG Trade Forecast - Global LNG trade in May 2025 reached 47.4 billion cubic meters (Bcm), with a year-to-date volume of 244.8 Bcm, reflecting a 3.4% year-over-year increase [8] - The forecast anticipates a growth of around 5% in global LNG trade for the full year 2025, reaching 589 Bcm [8] Commodity Market Positioning - The estimated value of global commodity market open interest declined by 3% week-over-week, driven by outflows in the gold market and weakness in energy prices [9] - Cumulative flows for 2025 have returned to 10-year average levels [9] Rig Activity Trends - The downward trend in US rig activity continues, with a decrease of nine oil rigs this week, particularly in the Permian and Eagle Ford basins [10] - The pace of rig attrition in the Permian is surpassing earlier projections, leading to a downward revision of 2025 Permian crude and condensate output [10] Price Forecasts - The report provides quarterly and annual price forecasts for various commodities, including WTI and Brent crude, natural gas, base metals, and precious metals [13]

Summary of Global Commodities Research Industry Overview - The report focuses on the global commodities market, particularly oil and base metals, highlighting recent trends and forecasts for 2025. Key Points Oil Market Insights - Global oil demand improved in early May, averaging 103.6 million barrels per day (mbd), which is a year-over-year increase of 440 thousand barrels per day (kbd) but still 240 kbd below expectations [6] - Global liquid stocks increased by 38 million barrels (mb) in the second week of May, driven by a 44 mb build in crude oil stocks [6] - Despite a 22% decline in crude prices since mid-January, refined product prices and refining margins have remained steady, with US gasoline cracks surging [5] - Structural downsizing of refining capacity in the US and Europe is expected to lead to a gasoline deficit, pulling supply from other regions [5] - Resilience in crude and refined product prices is anticipated to persist through the second quarter of 2025 before deteriorating in the latter half of the year [5] Base Metals Outlook - A better-than-expected US-China trade reprieve has reduced recession probabilities, diminishing downside risks to base metals demand and prices [8] - Near-term base metals price forecasts have been revised higher due to macroeconomic shifts [8] - Concerns remain about the longevity of demand pull-forward from China, with a potential bearish reckoning expected in the second half of 2025 [10] Market Positioning and Flows - The estimated value of global commodity market open interest recovered by 4% week-over-week to $1.43 trillion, with significant inflows into metals and agricultural markets [9] - Contract-based inflows increased to a seven-week high of $27 billion, with nearly $15 billion flowing into metals markets [9] Tariff Implications - The US-China trade agreement includes a 90-day reprieve of tariffs, which is expected to boost China's GDP by approximately 1.5%, raising full-year growth to 4.8% [12] - The average tariff rate on China is projected to be 41%, while China's average tariff rate on the US is 28% [12] Future Projections - The report anticipates a tightening of supply in base metals, which could support prices later in 2025 [28] - The agricultural markets are expected to remain fundamentally driven in the short term, with potential macro-driven inflows contingent on trade developments [10] Additional Insights - The rig count in major tight oil basins decreased by three, with the Permian losing three rigs, although production impacts are expected to be delayed due to operational efficiencies [10] - The report highlights the importance of monitoring macroeconomic indicators and trade relations as they significantly influence commodity prices and market dynamics [10][19] Conclusion - The global commodities market is experiencing a complex interplay of demand recovery, structural changes in refining capacity, and macroeconomic factors, particularly influenced by US-China trade relations. The outlook for both oil and base metals remains cautiously optimistic, with potential volatility expected in the latter half of 2025.