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

Trump: Tariffs Cannot Be Canceled

Donald Trump is prepared to fight for "his tariffs" until the end—or until victory. It's important to remember that court battles are nothing new for the current U.S. president. During

Chin Zhao 00:38 2025-06-03 UTC+2

EUR/USD. The Dollar Falls Out of Favor Again

The euro-dollar pair is once again attempting to breach the 1.14 figure. This is far from the first attempt by EUR/USD buyers over the past two months

Irina Manzenko 00:38 2025-06-03 UTC+2

The Euro Nears the Finish Line

Everything eventually comes to an end—both good and bad. One can debate endlessly whether the European Central Bank's deposit rate cut is positive or negative for the euro. However

Marek Petkovich 00:38 2025-06-03 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Currently, the Japanese yen continues to demonstrate strength against the U.S. dollar, pushing the USD/JPY pair below the key 143.00 level. Expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest

Irina Yanina 18:42 2025-06-02 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The intraday rise in gold prices remains steady today, Monday, with gold reaching over a one-week high around $3359. The weakness of the U.S. dollar, driven by concerns over

Irina Yanina 18:38 2025-06-02 UTC+2

GBP/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The GBP/USD pair is regaining positive momentum at the start of the new week, rebounding on renewed U.S. dollar selling and breaking above the psychological 1.3500 level. Friday's U.S. Personal

Irina Yanina 18:26 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Bitcoin under selling pressure

While the market is busy debating the impact of new stablecoin legislation, the renewed tariff threats from Donald Trump are dampening global risk appetite, pushing BTC/USD lower. After a 50%

Marek Petkovich 14:11 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Market sugarcoats pill

The best May since 1990 and the strongest monthly performance in a year and a half helped sugarcoat the bitter pill for the US stock market. Yet, since the start

Marek Petkovich 12:43 2025-06-02 UTC+2

The ECB Will Face Increasing Challenges

The euro is rising ahead of a significant event. The European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates this Thursday before increasingly complex inflation prospects risk bringing internal disagreements

Jakub Novak 12:11 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Throughout June, the Markets Will Be as Intense as During the Early Months of Trump's Presidency (there is a likelihood of a continued rise in the price of gold and a fall in USD/JPY)

The challenging month of May was experienced differently across global markets, but the main beneficiaries were stocks, which gained momentum from late April and extended their rally into May—something that

Pati Gani 09:45 2025-06-02 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.