Daily Oil Fundamentals

The Inevitable is Upon Us

16 Jun 2025

The Inevitable is Upon Us

The escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran has for a while almost felt like an eventuality rather than possibility. This does not take away the remarkable reaction seen in oil futures prices in the early hours of Friday morning. There are some, including the occupant of this seat, who have questioned the wisdom of almost 24-hour trading in oil derivatives. There is a case for such a state of openness in the massive markets of forex, equity bourse indices, bonds and other of such voluminous ilk, but commodities and oil do not have such liquidity outside of the normal European/US trading hours.

Daily Oil Fundamentals

Middle East Engulfed in Flames

13 Jun 2025

Middle East Engulfed in Flames

The possibility has been mentioned frequently on the pages of this report but to claim that ‘we have told you so’ would be intellectual dishonesty. For most, wars are incomprehensible in the 21st century, yet as the global order is being rewritten it is becoming an acceptable method to establish one’s authority. Despite, or maybe because of, its growing international isolation, Israel has struck Iran’s nuclear capabilities and its military facilities killing two of its top commanders.

Daily Oil Fundamentals

Once Again Dark Clouds Gather Over the Middle East

12 Jun 2025

Once Again Dark Clouds Gather Over the Middle East

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) is highly regarded within the maritime community. Independent of government interference, those involved with pushing ships around on the high seas value its unbiased information and how it garners intelligence. Its voluntary reporting scheme, while obviously not adhered to by all, gives it the ability to not only track trends but also enables it to establish where vessels might meet traffic and even threats.