Stock market sinks as economic concerns build
March 11, 2025
Energy markets started out higher on the day yesterday but sold off in the afternoon as the equities markets turned lower and sold off as the concerns about the economy come to light.
Traders are trying to price in the increased OPEC+ crude production, but this is a struggle as there is so much uncertainty surrounding all these markets. It is also difficult to know how this tariff situation will turn so traders are struggling with how to price it into the market.
Crude oil has traded down to a good level of support and despite plenty of recession talk hitting the headlines this market is likely to settle into a range here waiting for more clarity.
Vitol CEO, Russel Hardy, said that he expects global oil prices to remain in a range of $60 to $80 per barrel, as soft economic demand growth in China and globally in recent months weigh on demand.
The CEO of Saudi Aramco said Monday the company is forecasting global oil demand this year to grow by 1.3 to 1.5 million barrels per day. He noted that the global oil market currently is in balance.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that it’s ”possible” for the US to reach an agreement with Canada to avoid tariffs on Canadian oil and gas. However, he also noted that “it is too early to tell,” providing little certainty about the negotiations. One thing is clear: market uncertainty and the threat of retaliatory action appear to be slowing activity in the oil markets. Even as crude oil prices decline, trading volume in Brent and WTI have hit their lowest levels in months, possibly indicating that traders are hesitant to take a position in the current unpredictable environment.