Oil Rising On Ukraine Tensions
The possibility of war between Ukraine and Russia has put oil prices on a one-way road higher.
The oil market is very tight, and geopolitical tensions over Ukraine have energy traders eyeing a crude price above the $100 level. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo told reporters that OPEC+ is trying to ensure they will be able to supply oil to global markets. The political pressure will grow for OPEC+ to hit their quotas and to promise more output, but it doesn’t seem like anything will get them to pump more except if the US shale booms back.
Crude prices are headed higher as demand continues to improve while global inventories remain at depressed levels. An Iran nuclear deal still seems far from happening, and that should suggest any oil dips that emerge will quickly be bought.
Oil’s supply and demand fundamentals are very bullish right now, so it might not take much to trigger the move towards $100 for Brent crude.
Gold
Gold is breaking out as growth is decelerating, and yields are rising. Gold got a big boost from the possibility of war between Russia and Ukraine, but what is rather impressive is that it held onto most of its gains despite the easing of tensions following Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov’s comment that Putin is ‘all right’ continuing diplomatic work.
Despite a 6.6 basis move higher to 2.003% with the 10-Year Treasury yield, gold is rallying. Gold is starting to garner strong interest as the need grows for protection against a Fed policy mistake, geopolitical risks, and growth concerns.
The $1,880 level should prove to be key resistance for gold, but bullish momentum could take prices to the $1,900 level if that does not hold.