OPEC+ meeting preview: uptrend dominates despite potential output hike
With crude oil prices approaching pre-Covid 19 levels, will an impending OPEC+ production rise derail the trend?
Crude oil price closes in on pre-pandemic high after impressive recovery
Crude oil prices enjoyed a dramatic 2020, with the decimation of demand leading to a complete capitulation in April. However, despite that incredible decline, we have seen largely one-way traffic since, driving Brent crude to close in on the $70 pre-crisis peak.
One of the key elements of that recovery was Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus (OPEC+) intervention, with the group enacting a 9.7 million barrel per day (bpd) cut in output. While we have seen some easing to those restrictions as prices recover, that output number currently lies at 7.125 million bpd.
What to watch for at OPEC+ meeting
OPEC + are due to meet once again on 4 March, with traders looking for a gauge on just how swiftly the group will look to reimpose production levels.
With demand still hindered by ongoing limits on both domestic and international movement, there is a strong chance for the group to remain somewhat cautious with any output hike until we see a substantial rise in demand.
There will be a particular focus on Saudi Arabia and Russia, with the Saudi’s having voluntarily cut production by one million bpd over the past two months.
Meanwhile, Russia have shown an inclination to raise output in the absence of any new development that could further hurt demand.
Nevertheless, we are expecting any hike in output to be gradual despite the notable surge in prices, with some fearing that higher prices will simply spark a resurgence in US shale output.
However, with a less supportive government stance, and firms having been hit hard financially over the course of the year, it is unlikely we will see the US shale sector bounce back in a way that many would have expected.
Brent turning lower, yet uptrend remains unbroken
The Brent crude chart highlights how consistent the recent trend has been, with each retracement bringing a fresh buying opportunity.
With the price easing back once again today, there is a good chance that we are looking at another potential entry point for bulls. The fact that this comes from the top end of an ascending standard deviation channel signals the possibility of a decent move lower.
However, until we see the trend broken, we are looking at another short-term retracement within a clear bullish pattern. The mid-February retracement highlights how we can often see a move below the initial swing-low to retrace the wider Fibonacci move.
As such, the key level to watch is $61.53, with a break below that level bringing an end to the immediate uptrend. Interestingly, the near-term swing low coincides with the 61.8% Fibonacci level at $63.63, bringing a great potential buying opportunity.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
React to volatility on commodity markets
Trade commodity futures, as well as 27 commodity markets with no fixed expiries.1
- Wide range of popular and niche metals, energies and softs
- Spreads from 0.3 pts on Spot Gold, 2 pts on Spot Silver and 2.8 pts on Oil
- View continuous charting, backdated for up to five years
1In the case of all DFBs, there is a fixed expiry at some point in the future.
See opportunity on a commodity?
Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re onto something.
- Log in to your demo
- Try a risk-free trade
- See whether your hunch pays off
See opportunity on a commodity?
Don’t miss your chance. Upgrade to a live account to take advantage.
- Analyse and deal seamlessly on fast, intuitive charts
- Get spreads from just 0.3 points on Spot Gold
- See and react to breaking news in-platform
See opportunity on a commodity?
Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take your position.
Live prices on most popular markets
- Equities
- Indices
- Forex
- Commodities
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.
