WTI Dips as Israel Avoids Targeting Iran’s Oil: What’s Next?

10月17日

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $70.60 during Thursday's London session. The price edged lower following reports that Israel has assured the United States it will not target Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities in its planned retaliatory attacks. This news, as reported by senior Biden administration officials and the Wall Street Journal, came after the US sought to prevent further escalation in the Middle East to avoid a potential surge in oil prices.

Geopolitical Tensions in the Middle East and Oil Prices
Oil markets have been on edge due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Any potential retaliation involving Iran has been closely watched, given Iran’s role as a major oil producer in the region. Had Israel planned to target Iran’s oil infrastructure, it could have led to significant supply disruptions, pushing oil prices higher. For now, traders are breathing a sigh of relief with the promise from Israel to avoid targeting these facilities, but geopolitical tensions still remain a key factor that could influence WTI in the near future. Should tensions escalate further, WTI prices could quickly rebound on supply concerns.

OPEC and IEA Cut Global Oil Demand Forecasts
This week also brought another major development for oil markets as both the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) lowered their forecasts for global oil demand growth in 2024. The IEA now estimates global oil demand will grow by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), bringing total demand to 104.3 million bpd next year, which is 300,000 bpd below previous estimates.

These cuts are being driven by several factors, including the weakening global economic outlook and persistent challenges in key oil-consuming regions. In particular, China’s economic stimulus measures have failed to provide a meaningful boost to oil demand, further weighing on oil prices. This downward revision in demand growth expectations has created additional headwinds for crude oil prices, contributing to the recent decline in WTI.

Technical Outlook: Bearish Sentiment But Potential Long Retracement
From a technical standpoint, WTI is currently trading within a key demand area, suggesting that some buyers may step in to support prices. While the forecast based on seasonality points toward a bearish trend in the near term, there are some indications that a deeper long retracement could occur.

The Commitment of Traders (COT) report shows that institutional investors, also known as "smart money," are maintaining long positions, indicating potential underlying support for oil prices. This dynamic suggests that while prices may experience further pressure in the short term, a retracement to the upside could occur if demand for oil begins to pick up or if geopolitical tensions resurface with greater intensity.

Conclusion: WTI Traders Remain Cautious Amid Mixed Signals
For now, WTI remains in a delicate position, influenced by a mix of geopolitical risks, lower global demand forecasts, and technical factors. The assurance from Israel that its retaliatory strikes will avoid targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure has alleviated some immediate concerns about a spike in oil prices. However, the ongoing geopolitical situation remains fluid, and any sudden escalation could quickly reverse the current price trajectory.

At the same time, the reduced demand growth outlook from both OPEC and the IEA creates a bearish overhang for crude prices. With China’s stimulus measures failing to spark a meaningful recovery in demand, traders will be closely watching for any new developments that could shift the balance of supply and demand in the oil market.

In summary, WTI may continue to face downward pressure in the short term, but a potential long retracement remains on the table, especially if market conditions or geopolitical tensions shift in the coming days. For now, traders are likely to stay cautious, awaiting clearer signals before taking decisive positions.


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