West Texas Intermediate (WTI)
The uncertain impact of an SPR release
During September, speculation about a possible withdrawal from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve hit boiling point. Although such a release now appears to be unlikely, Jay Maroo investigates the impact any future withdrawal might have on oil traders and…
The unreliability of oil price forecasting
Oil price forecasts are notoriously unreliable, making life difficult for energy market participants attempting to manage their risks. Alexander Osipovich explores the reasons why analysts struggle to predict future prices
Energy Risk Europe 2012: Speculation tending to push oil prices lower
In recent years, speculation in oil markets has been associated with price falls more than price rises, but speculative activity is transforming the oil market into an asset play subject to new macroeconomic influences, says Leo Drollas, chief economist…
Experts question shift in Mexico oil hedging strategy
Use of put spreads in oil hedging programme leaves Mexico dangerously exposed to low oil prices if global economy sinks
Aggressive oil hedging enables Plains E&P’s big deepwater play
Plains Exploration & Production will hedge up to 90% of its oil production for the next three years, the Houston-based company says as it reaches a deal to buy $6.1 billion of oil assets in the Gulf of Mexico from BP and Shell
US ban on crude exports receives fresh scrutiny
The shale revolution has led to talk of easing the decades-old restrictions on the export of US crude oil – but how likely is that to happen? Alexander Osipovich reports
Turning points: United Icap's Walter Zimmermann
From meditating with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to using fractals to predict oil prices, Walter Zimmermann of United Icap has had a remarkably varied career. Alexander Osipovich reports
Brent crude seen at $50/bbl by Q3 in worst-case scenario: Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse has released a research note today that highlights the potential for oil prices to fall to levels last seen during the 2008 crisis
Seaway pipeline reversal: beginning of the end for negative WTI-Brent spread?
Analyst forecasts of how the reversal of the Seaway pipeline will affect the West Texas Intermediate-Brent spread vary widely. Jay Maroo reports
Initiatives promote commodity derivatives in Brazil
Recent initiatives may encourage more players to the Brazilian commodity derivatives market, but there are still many obstacles to its growth, writes Alex Davis
Asian challenge to crude benchmarks
As Asian demand for crude continues to increase, calls are growing for an Asian crude oil benchmark to sit alongside the global benchmarks of WTI and Brent. Jay Maroo investigates the possible alternatives
Oil analysts' 2012 price forecasts up slightly on 2011 average
Geopolitical tension is propping up the oil market, even as a shaky global economy threatens to sap demand. Analysts offer Alexander Osipovich their views on oil prices in 2012
Refiners step up hedging activity
Refineries in Europe have stepped up their hedging activity in recent months as they take advantage of a recovery in margins, market participants say
Q&A – Ice Futures Europe’s David Peniket and Mike Davis
In the second part of Energy Risk’s series on the future for the exchange-traded energy markets, Ice Futures Europe’s David Peniket and Mike Davis talk to Pauline McCallion about the likely direction of the market in 2012 and beyond
Commodity indexes rebalance in favour of Brent but WTI seen outperforming in 2012
Brent crude's representation in commodity indexes is set to increase as a result of the annual rebalancing of contracts that takes place during this week
Interview: CME Group
In the first of a two-part series with senior executives at the CME and Ice, Pauline McCallion talks to Gary Morsches, managing director, energy, products and services at CME Group, about the future for exchange-traded energy
WTI-Brent spread volatility disrupts hedging programmes
Jet fuel prices have been tracking Brent more closely than WTI, raising questions about the hedging strategies of US airlines. Alexander Osipovich reports
Energy experts debate merits of speculators and position limits
CFTC and Goldman Sachs executives discuss role of speculators in commodities markets during times of volatility
Oil price outlook
Oil prices are expected to remain well supported into next year, according to an Energy Risk survey of analysts, which would provide a good opportunity for consumers to begin to hedge their forward oil exposure but make producer hedging look less…
Oil analysts count cost of recession on crude prices
Commodity analysts re-examine their oil price forecasts in light of current economic deterioration, as the long-term economic outlook remains unclear
The growing influence of Caspian crude
The growing importance of Caspian crude could bring about a similar dislocation of Urals/Brent as the recent dislocation in the Brent/WTI spread, argues Bruce Gaston
WTI/Brent spread impacts commodity index returns
A re-balancing of indexes to include, or increase Brent weighting could be on the cards to combat sliding WTI/Brent spread, say index providers
ICE Europe's commitment of traders reports welcomed by participants
ICE Futures Europe is publishing commitment of traders (COT) reports for its global commodity benchmark ICE Brent crude and ICE gas-oil futures