empty
24.12.2024 09:46 AM
Oil Compresses the Spring: Awaiting an Explosion!

The upper levels can't, and the lower levels won't? Speculators have increased their oil purchases at the fastest pace since September 2023, driven by expectations that new sanctions against Russia and Iran will tighten supply, while China's stimulus measures will boost demand. However, Brent crude oil prices remain stubbornly stagnant, neither rising nor dropping significantly. Is a revolutionary situation brewing in the oil market? If so, any breakout from the current medium-term range may have to wait until 2025. After all, Christmas is typically a time to pause business activities.

Dynamics of Speculative Positions in Oil

This image is no longer relevant

U.S. President Joe Biden signed a government funding bill that extends through March 2025, which has brought joy to financial markets. A slowdown in the U.S. economy caused by a government shutdown would have been detrimental to investors. Currently, the U.S. is a key driver of global GDP growth and oil demand. Bloomberg experts project a decrease of 2 million barrels in U.S. crude oil inventories for the week ending December 20, which is likely to support Brent and WTI oil prices.

However, China, India, and other Asian countries are expected to be the primary contributors to global oil demand growth in 2025, accounting for approximately 60% of the increase. OPEC forecasts an increase of 1.45 million barrels per day (b/d), while the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates it at 1.08 million b/d.

Global Oil Demand Structure

This image is no longer relevant

However, the reality may not be as optimistic. The U.S.-China trade war is likely to slow down the Chinese economy. In 2023, China accounted for 16% of global oil demand, equivalent to 16.4 million barrels per day (b/d), an increase from just 9% in 2008. However, the country's strong demand for electric vehicles and its ongoing real estate crisis are reducing its appetite for oil. Gasoline and diesel fuel demand is believed to have peaked and is projected to be 3.6% lower in 2024 than it was in 2021.

U.S. tariffs on imports from China are causing concern in the oil market. For example, Donald Trump's statement that the European Union could face tariffs if it doesn't increase purchases of U.S. oil and gas diminished bullish momentum for Brent crude. Consequently, the price of this North Sea grade quickly returned to consolidation, and its price movement now resembles a spring that is being compressed. The question remains: when will it explode?

This image is no longer relevant

Oil concludes 2024 with mixed sentiments. Optimists expect to see growth in global demand, particularly from Asia and the U.S. In contrast, pessimists warn that non-OPEC+ countries may inundate the market with new supplies, potentially leading to a decrease in prices.

From a technical perspective, a triangle pattern continues to form on the daily Brent chart. A breakout above the upper boundary near $74 per barrel could create opportunities for long positions. On the other hand, a decisive breach of the $72 support level would suggest the potential for selling. An aggressive short entry might be considered if the price successfully tests the fair value at $72.45.

Marek Petkovich,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Further Tariff Concessions from Trump

According to rumors and statements from officials, U.S. President Donald Trump intends to soften automobile tariffs by supporting some changes sought by the industry. This will allow for the cancellation

Jakub Novak 18:48 2025-04-29 UTC+2

Trade Negotiations Between China and the U.S. Are Ongoing. Markets Await Results (There Is a Risk of Local Declines in EUR/USD and GBP/USD Pairs)

Markets have once again paused amid uncertainty over whether a trade agreement between the U.S. and China will be reached anytime soon. The cloud of uncertainty that Donald Trump

Pati Gani 10:04 2025-04-29 UTC+2

The Market Has Licked Its Wounds

The market always keeps us engaged. Despite all the gloomy talk of recession, trade wars, supply shortages, inflation, and layoffs, the S&P 500 has declined by just a little over

Marek Petkovich 09:10 2025-04-29 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 29? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Tuesday, and none are significant. If we set aside all the tertiary reports, such as the GfK Consumer Confidence Index in Germany

Paolo Greco 07:00 2025-04-29 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – April 29: Are Labor Market and Unemployment Data Important?

On Monday, the GBP/USD currency pair also traded with low volatility and mainly moved sideways, although the British pound maintained a slight upward bias. Despite the lack of market-relevant news

Paolo Greco 04:33 2025-04-29 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – April 29: The Weak Yield, the Strong Resist

On Monday, the EUR/USD currency pair remained immobilized. There were no updates over the weekend from Donald Trump regarding trade developments, and no important data or events were scheduled

Paolo Greco 04:33 2025-04-29 UTC+2

The Euro Looks for a Basis for Another Upward Surge

Business activity indices in the eurozone are declining amid heightened uncertainty. The composite index in April fell from 50.9 to 50.1, nearing contraction territory. At the same time, Germany's

Kuvat Raharjo 00:54 2025-04-29 UTC+2

The Dollar Continues to Sell Off, Outlook Remains Weak

As shown by the latest CFTC report, U.S. dollar futures indicate a further deterioration in its outlook. During the reporting week, the net short position on the USD increased

Kuvat Raharjo 00:54 2025-04-29 UTC+2

Bitcoin Can't Lose

There's never a dull moment with Bitcoin. Sometimes it behaves like a risky asset, sometimes like a safe haven. At the beginning of April, the cryptocurrency was jokingly referred

Marek Petkovich 19:03 2025-04-28 UTC+2

The Market Has Outplayed the Professionals

"Follow the smart money" — this classic principle of technical analysis suggests it's safer to side with professionals rather than the crowd. However, in 2025, such an approach would have

Marek Petkovich 19:00 2025-04-28 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.