empty
03.12.2024 09:16 AM
Oil on the Brink of a Scandal

Has oil found its fair value? Or is it hesitating to act ahead of the rescheduled OPEC+ meeting on December 5? The alliance, which controls about half of global crude oil production, reportedly plans to extend its production cut agreement until the end of the first quarter of 2025, according to four Reuters sources. Previously, the plan was to gradually phase out these commitments starting in December. However, revising this decision risks sparking a scandal.

Every major scandal starts the same way—someone says something. Often, this "something" is the truth. An OPEC+ official from Iran publicly stated what others feared to admit: the alliance is keeping oil prices too high, effectively subsidizing its competitors. This strategy of supply restrictions is leading to a rapid increase in production outside OPEC+, particularly in the U.S., fueling discontent. Angola has already left the alliance—who might be next? Gabon? Equatorial Guinea? Congo?

Oil Volatility Dynamics

This image is no longer relevant

What decision will OPEC+ announce on December 5? No one knows, and the markets are holding their breath. This will lead to reduced volatility and Brent consolidating in the lower part of its trading range at $71–$75 per barrel.

Bullish news for Brent comes from China, where business activity has reached a seven-month high, and from the breakdown of a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Attacks by the terrorist group triggered retaliatory strikes by Israel on Lebanon.

However, Brent faces pressure from the strong U.S. dollar, Saudi Arabia's decision to lower oil prices for its Asian buyers to a four-year low, and a rise in OPEC+ production in November to 27.02 million barrels per day (bpd). This marks the second consecutive monthly increase, with October's production exceeded by 120,000 bpd, primarily due to Libya resolving supply disruptions caused by a political crisis.

Oil and U.S. Dollar Dynamics

This image is no longer relevant

This image is no longer relevant

Investors are concerned that the Federal Reserve may not cut the federal funds rate in December, which could strengthen the U.S. dollar. In this context, FOMC member Christopher Waller's remarks that the current monetary policy remains tight and needs to be eased have provided fresh air for crude oil.

In my view, even if OPEC+ abandons plans to increase production, Brent bulls won't celebrate for long. The surge in business activity in China is a temporary phenomenon ahead of the implementation of U.S. tariffs. On the other hand, Donald Trump's intent to ramp up U.S. oil production is no laughing matter.

On Brent's daily chart, breaking out of the consolidation range of $71.0–$75.0 per barrel could lead to a resumption of the downtrend. An aggressive strategy would involve selling from $71.5.

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

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/JPY pair is holding above the key 144.00 level amid continued weakness in the U.S. dollar. Strong household spending data released today in Japan has strengthened expectations

Irina Yanina 18:12 2025-07-04 UTC+2

NZD/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The NZD/USD currency pair is recovering after bouncing from the 0.6030 level, which marks a weekly low, and is attempting to gain further positive momentum. This suggests a break

Irina Yanina 18:08 2025-07-04 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

On Friday, the USD/CAD pair remains near a three-week low, trading below the key 1.3600 level. The U.S. dollar is struggling to extend its gains following yesterday's stronger-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls

Irina Yanina 17:59 2025-07-04 UTC+2

The Market Celebrates a Victory

Financial markets responded positively to the release of U.S. employment statistics for June. Payrolls rose by 143,000, exceeding Bloomberg analysts' forecasts. April and May figures were revised upward

Marek Petkovich 10:15 2025-07-04 UTC+2

Next Week May Begin on a Positive Note for the Markets (Possible Resumption of Growth in #SPX and #NDX)

The U.S. labor market data, published by the Department of Labor, instilled cautious optimism among investors, extending the rally in U.S. equity markets, supporting the dollar, and weakening gold prices

Pati Gani 10:09 2025-07-04 UTC+2

The Market is Preparing for Another Shock

Just yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration would begin sending letters to trade partners on Friday, outlining unilateral tariff rates that, according to him, countries will

Jakub Novak 09:55 2025-07-04 UTC+2

Strong U.S. Employment Report Exceeds All Expectations

The U.S. dollar surged against a range of risk assets as the key figures in June's employment report convinced the Federal Reserve that there is no need to lower interest

Jakub Novak 09:49 2025-07-04 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on July 4? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

No macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Friday. As previously mentioned, today is a public holiday in the United States, known as Independence Day. All banks and stock exchanges will

Paolo Greco 07:59 2025-07-04 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – July 4: Reeves Cried — Did the Pound Collapse?

The GBP/USD currency pair also traded fairly calmly throughout Thursday until the start of the U.S. trading session. Recall that a day earlier, the British currency had plummeted by nearly

Paolo Greco 03:56 2025-07-04 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – July 4: Trump's Third Trade Deal Didn't Help the Dollar Either

The EUR/USD currency pair traded very calmly throughout Thursday, until unemployment and labor market reports were released in the United States. However, we will discuss those reports in other articles

Paolo Greco 03:56 2025-07-04 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.