Crude oil
Cutting edge: Minimising risk when hedging crude oil options
In this paper, Christian-Oliver Ewald, Roy Nawar and Tak Kuen Siu study the performance of locally risk-minimising hedging strategies in the context of futures and options written on crude oil. In contradiction to prior research, the authors show it is…
Cutting edge: Correlation functions in the crude oil and natural gas futures markets
Given the importance of the crude oil and natural gas futures markets, the intra-market correlations in these markets play an important role in pricing, hedging and managing the risks of energy portfolios. This paper by Ehud Ronn contributes to the…
Platts and Shell seek support for competing Brent crude reforms
Oil major Shell and price reporting agency Platts offer rival plans to fix market distortions in Brent crude oil
Commodity correlation returning to pre-2008 levels, say analysts
The tight link between commodities and equities is easing as firms become less worried about macro shocks, say analysts
Low crude volatility to bolster spread trades, say analysts
Market participants expected to shy away from outright bets on crude oil as low volatility persists
Energy Risk Europe 2012: Oil price “much lower” in 10 years – Credit Suisse
A slowdown in Chinese oil demand growth coupled with increasing supply will mean oil prices will be much lower in 10 years, forecasts Ric Deverell, head of commodities research at Credit Suisse
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
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
Energy Risk Canada: Low crude prices won’t stop oil sands development, experts say
The prospects for long-term development of the Canadian oil sands remain good, presenters at Energy Risk Canada say, dismissing concern about the recent plunge in crude oil prices
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
Analysts still sceptical of Delta Air Lines refinery acquisition
This week, Delta Air Lines confirmed rumours that it was purchasing a refinery on the US east coast, a first-of-its-kind transaction. As details of the deal have emerged, some observers have warmed up to the idea that Delta can better manage its fuel…
Exclusive: Interview with Aramco Trading’s Said Al-Hadrami
The world’s biggest producer of crude oil, Saudi Aramco, has moved far beyond its roots and now boasts a team devoted to the worldwide trade of refined products. In an exclusive interview, Aramco Trading’s chief executive Said Al-Hadrami tells Alexander…
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
Middle distillates to strengthen on supply constraints?
Diesel and heating oil prices have risen on the back of crude oil gains this year, but they also have some unique supply and demand issues to consider, finds Jay Maroo
Energy Risk Deals of the Year 2012: Credit Suisse's Urals swap with JKX
Credit Suisse in $50m Urals Med swap with JKX Oil & Gas
Refiners seek innovative tools for risk management
Battered by tight margins and volatile oil markets, refiners are exploring a range of innovative tools to contain costs and improve risk management. Alexander Osipovich reports
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
Marginal oil gaining market share, setting higher floor price
Marginal oil, with its greater risks and higher cost of production, will exert more influence on oil prices as it moves to becoming 10% of global supply by 2035. Gillian Carr reports
The rise of sovereign commodity risk management
The unprecedented commodity price volatility of the past four years has led to a surge of interest from governments in risk management strategies. Investment banks are in talks with sovereigns worldwide on setting up financial hedges, and say uptake is…
Mexico’s hedging programme gears up for 2012
This week Mexico’s Congress will begin to debate the price at which the country hedges its oil exports next year