Brent crude oil was trading at over $71 a barrel this week, its highest level since May 2019. The latest leg of the rally was due to Opec+, a group of major producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia. The group has been collectively withholding millions of barrels of daily production from world markets in order to prop up prices. Last week they agreed to maintain their existing plan to unwind those curbs slowly rather than upping production more quickly to take advantage of higher prices.
The surge in crude has also been fuelled by optimism about economic reopening, says Patti Domm for CNBC. America has now entered its summer “driving season”. Reopening economies mean global demand should grow by seven million barrels per day (mbpd) between the first and third quarter, says Daniel Yergin of IHS Markit (worldwide consumption was 91mbpd last year). Even a return of Iranian supply – currently barred by US sanctions – to the world market would be absorbed by the ongoing demand spike. Oil is heading for “a hot summer”.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Coreweave is on borrowed timeAI infrastructure firm Coreweave is heading for trouble and is absurdly pricey, says Matthew Partridge
-
Renewable energy funds are stuck between a ROC and a hard placeRenewable energy funds were hit hard by the government’s subsidy changes, but they have only themselves to blame for their failure to build trust with investors
-
Profit from document shredding with RestoreRestore operates in a niche, but essential market. The business has exciting potential over the coming years, says Rupert Hargreaves
-
The war dividend – how to invest in defence stocks as the world arms upWestern governments are back on a war footing. Investors should be prepared, too, says Jamie Ward
-
Literacy Capital: A trust where great returns fund a good causeThere’s plenty to like about specialist private-equity trust Literacy Capital, says Max King
-
An AI bust could hit private credit – could it cause a financial crisis?Opinion Private credit is playing a key role in funding data centres. It may be the first to take the hit if the AI boom ends, says Cris Sholto Heaton
-
8 of the best ski chalets for sale nowThe best ski chalets on the market – from a traditional Alpine-style chalet in Switzerland to an award-winning Modernist building in Japan’s exclusive ski areas
-
Did COP30 achieve anything to tackle climate change?The COP30 summit was a failure. But the world is going green regardless, says Simon Wilson
