👀 Ones to watch: The MOST undervalued shares to buy right nowSee Undervalued Shares

Oil markets stable, but analysts expect high volatility ahead

Published 10/11/2017, 12:32 pm
Updated 10/11/2017, 12:40 pm
© Reuters.  Oil markets stable, but analysts expect high volatility ahead
GS
-
LCO
-
CL
-

* Strong demand, OPEC-lead supply cuts support market

* Middle East tensions could cause volatility

* Rising U.S. output may weigh on prices

By Henning Gloystein

SINGAPORE, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Oil markets were stable on Friday, supported by ongoing supply cuts led by OPEC and Russia as well as by strong demand, although the prospect of rising U.S. shale output capped prices around recent gains.

Brent crude futures LCOc1 were at $63.84 per barrel at 0120 GMT, down 9 cents from their last close, but still near a more than two-year high of $64.65 a barrel reached earlier this week.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 was at $57.05 per barrel, down 12 cents but also still close to this week's more than two-year peak of $57.92 a barrel.

Analysts said that the high prices were a result of efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia to withhold supplies to tighten the market, as well as strong demand and rising political tensions.

"Oil prices have rallied sharply over the past week ... The latest catalyst for this move higher was the sharp rise in geopolitical tensions last weekend, with growing confidence in an OPEC extension and strong oil demand fueling the rally previously," said U.S. bank Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS).

Goldman warned of greater price volatility ahead due to increasing tensions in the Middle East, especially between OPEC fellows but political arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with soaring U.S. oil production.

"We see potential for high spot price volatility in the coming weeks," Goldman said.

"A rise in the U.S. rig count and a non-committal OPEC meeting would push prices lower, in our view, yet additional escalation of recent geopolitical tensions could lead to another large rally," it added.

ANZ bank said that "political stability was jolted awake this week" in the Middle East.

"While the likelihood of a disruption to (oil) supply remains low, we believe the events raise the probability of Saudi Arabia taking a more aggressive stance on production curbs. In fact, the risks now lie towards curbs remaining in place longer than expected. As such, we see oil prices remaining well supported in the short term," ANZ said.

OPEC is due to discuss output policy during a meeting on Nov. 30, and it is expected the group will extend the cuts beyond the current expiry date in March 2018.

"Recent OPEC communication suggests that an extension will be announced but there are no details on volumes," Goldman said.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.