Energy OverView April 30, 2013

WTI crude oil posted a strong gain, yesterday, but the focus was on the narrowing spread between WTI and Brent crude. The spread has declined below the $10 mark in rapid fashion. All of the rail car shipments and the latest pipeline developments have caused the shift.… Read more

Energy OverView April 29, 2013

After losses on Friday, due, in part, to the disappointing reading on Q1 GDP, prices are marginally higher. The rebound in crude oil appears linked to the generally positive market sentiment ahead of the ECB meeting on Thursday that will likely result in easing measures, including an interest rate cut.… Read more

Energy OverView April 25, 2013

The rebound in crude oil prices is continuing. The UK’s avoidance of a triple-dip recession has the pound rallying at the expense of the dollar, which is supporting commodity prices. Also, to the extent that there is hope for the global economy, oil prices will catch a bid.… Read more

Energy OverView April 24, 2013

Crude oil prices are rallying back, with WTI making back to nearly $90 per barrel. The optimism over an expected interest rate cut by the ECB next week is forging hopes of a euro zone economic recovery that will translate into improved energy demand later this year.… Read more

Energy OverView April 23, 2013

Dollar strength and euro zone economic weakness are pulling oil prices lower this morning. The Dollar Index is back above 83, as the euro zone economy continues to struggle show its 15th month of contraction in both the services sector and in factory output.… Read more

Energy OverView April 22, 2013

Brent crude prices are back above $100 per barrel. The significant losses incurred over global growth concerns, recently, have yielded to a re-evaluation. The immovable force, this morning, seems to be the coming the flood of yen coming to market from the boldest-of-bold monetary easing regime, which was acquiesced to by the G20.… Read more

Energy OverView April 19, 2013

Crude oil prices are rebounding this morning. The effect of the weakening yen seems to supporting the rally in oil and gold. The Japanese finance minister indicated that the G20 was “unopposed” to its recent monetary policies. The latest run at creating some inflation is generating some buying.… Read more

Energy OverView April 18, 2013

Crude oil prices sold-off hard, yesterday, leading the loser board. WTI looked to possibly break all kinds of support, on the way to $82 per barrel. The selling has eased, and prices are back above $86. Brent crude is well-below $100 per barrel, and this is occurring just as we learn that Saudi Arabia’s exports surged in February by 363k bpd.… Read more

Energy OverView April 17, 2013

The rebound in oil prices looks to be short-lived, although prices remain well-above the low point of the recent decline. The head of the IEA commented this morning that the price drop indicates that the market is well-supplied. Nothing like jumping the gun and prodding OPEC into action, the mere second that Brent prices drop below $100 per barrel.… Read more

Energy OverView April 16, 2013

Although not to the same extent, crude oil prices joined precious metals in declining significantly, yesterday, adding to Friday’s losses. The prices levels were remarkable: Brent broke below $100 and WTI hit a low of 86.40 overnight. Prices have rebounded, however, and Brent is back above $100.… Read more