Latest news with #SvellandCapital
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
World markets on oil watch as Middle East tensions flare
Brent crude oil is up around 20 per cent so far in June, and set for its biggest monthly jump since 2020 as Israel/Iran tensions flare-up. Although relatively contained, the rise has not gone unnoticed just three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered a surge in energy prices that ramped up global inflation and sparked aggressive interest rate hikes. Here's a look at what rising oil means for world markets. How high? Oil prices have crept rather than surged higher with investors taking comfort from no noticeable interruption to oil flows. Still, pay attention. The premium of first-month Brent crude futures contract to that for delivery six months later this week rose to a six-month high as investors priced in an increased chance of disruptions to Middle East supply . It remained elevated on Friday. Trading at around $77 a barrel, oil is below 2022's $139 high, but is nearing pain points. "If oil goes into the $80-100 range and stays there, that jeopardizes the global economy," said ABN AMRO Solutions CIO Christophe Boucher. "We are just below that threshold." Supply shock? Traders have an eye on shipping, often seen as a key energy bellwether. About a fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes through the Hormuz Strait between Oman and Iran. Disruption here could push oil above $100, analysts say. Blocked shipping routes would compound any supply shock. Though the big oil producing countries that make up OPEC+ have promised an extra 1.2 million barrels a day, none has yet been shipped or delivered, said hedge fund Svelland Capital director, Nadia Martin Wiggen. Blocked shipping routes would mean this expected supply would not come into the international market, she said. She's watching freight rates closely. "So far, freight rates show that China, with the world's biggest spare refining capability, hasn't started panic buying oil on supply concerns," said Wiggen. "Once China starts to buy, freight rates will rise, and world's energy prices will follow." No oil, no growth Rising oil prices raise worries because they can lift near-term inflation and hurt economic growth by squeezing consumption. High oil prices work like a tax, say economists, especially for net energy importers such as Japan and Europe as oil is hard to substitute in the short term. Lombard Odier's chief economist Samy Chaar said that sustained oil prices above $100 a barrel would shave 1 per cent off global economic growth and boost inflation by 1 per cent. Unease rose after Israel launched its strike on Iran a week ago. An initial rally in safe-haven bonds soon evaporated as focus turned to the inflationary impact of higher oil. The euro zone five-year, five-year forward, a closely-watched gauge of market inflation expectations, climbed to its highest level in almost a month. "In the United States $75 oil is enough to, if it's sustained, boost our CPI forecast by about half a percent by the year end, to go from 3 to 3.5 per cent," said RBC chief economist Frances Donald. Turkey, India, Pakistan, Morocco and much of eastern Europe where oil is heavily imported are set to be hit hardest by the rise in crude prices. Those that supply it; Gulf countries, Nigeria, Angola, Venezuela and to some degree Brazil, Colombia and Mexico should get a boost to their coffers, analysts say. Oh king dollar A shift is taking place in the dollar. In recent years the currency has risen when oil rallies, but it has had only limited support from oil's latest rise, with a weekly gain of just 0.4 per cent. Analysts expect the dollar's downward trend to resume, given expectations of limited Middle East risks for now and underlying bearish sentiment. It has weakened around 9 per cent so far this year against other major currencies, hurt by economic uncertainty and concern about the reliability of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration as a trading and diplomatic partner. No doubt, a weaker dollar heals the sting from higher oil, which is priced in dollars. "For oil-importing countries, the dollar's fall offers some relief, easing the impact of soaring oil prices and mitigating wider economic strain," UniCredit said. Complacent stock? In the absence of an oil-supply shock, world stocks are happy to stick near all-time highs. "Investors want to look past this until there's a reason to believe this will be a much larger regional conflict," said Osman Ali, Goldman Sach's Asset Management's global co-head of Quantitative Investment Strategies. Gulf markets sold off on the initial news, then stabilised somewhat, helped by the higher oil prices. U.S. and European energy shares, particularly oil and gas companies have outperformed , as have defence stocks. Israeli stocks, up 6 per cent in a week, have been the most notable outperformer. Stocks of oil consumers have been the worst hit, airlines stand out.
Bloomberg
13-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Israel Strike on Iran Sparks Risk Off Sentiment; Iran Retaliates
Oil spikes and stocks sell off after Israel launched a broad offensive on Iranian military and nuclear targets overnight. Iran retaliates and blames the US for Israel's attack, while the US denies any involvement. Nadia Martin Wiggen of Svelland Capital sees further gains in crude prices amid risks of escalation in the conflict. Thomas Wagner of Knighthead Capital Management, speaking at Le Mans, says the Fed needs to cut given inflation is below target and concerns over growth persist. (Source: Bloomberg)
Bloomberg
13-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Martin Wiggen: Risk of Israel-Iran Conflict Escalating, Oil Price Spiking
Israel's strike on Iran is at risk of escalating the Middle Eastern conflict, with potential further consequences for the price of crude oil Nadia Martin Wiggen of Svelland Capital. (Source: Bloomberg)
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US Shale Under Pressure as OPEC+ Hikes Supply
The recent announcement by OPEC+ to increase oil supply spells bad news for US shale and could even lead to a decline in production says Nadia Martin Wiggen, Director at Svelland Capital. Martin Wiggen spoke on "The Pulse with Francine Lacqua" on Bloomberg TV. Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
05-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
US Shale Under Pressure as OPEC+ Hikes Supply
The recent announcement by OPEC+ to increase oil supply spells bad news for US shale and could even lead to a decline in production says Nadia Martin Wiggen, Director at Svelland Capital. Martin Wiggen spoke on "The Pulse with Francine Lacqua" on Bloomberg TV. (Source: Bloomberg)
