Volatility and uncertainty grip markets
April 22, 2025
Over the course of the last three weeks WTI crude oil has traded in a $14 dollar range. The market now sits right in the middle of that range. This market could go in either direction from here. Expect the volatility to remain high as there are many uncertainties surrounding these markets.
Traders are saying they are seeing short covering this morning after the market sold off yesterday. That buying is to cover short positions as prices move higher and limit losses. However, if short covering is the primary driver of this buying the upward momentum could quickly run out.
The market continues to try and digest the news on Iran and US nuclear talks as the China trade tensions. President Trump was critical of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and that was hot news in the headlines yesterday. As President Trump pushes for Powell to lower interest rates market participants worry the Fed could lose its independence. This concern, along with more oil from OPEC+ and a weak economy and with that lower energy demand are all head winds for crude oil prices.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said he hopes Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week to end the conflict in Ukraine.