USOI

Iran oil exports hit six-year high, exposing limits in U.S.-led bid to stifle crude sales

Iran is exporting more oil than at any time in six years. U.S. Crude oil futures finished little changed Thursday. Fears of conflict in the Middle East fade as market resumes worries over global oil demand growth. Iran oil exports hit six-year high as China is the biggest buyer of its crude.

Geopolitical Conflict Threatens Yet Another Shipping Choke Point

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery that carries around a fifth of the world's oil. The Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden is a key route for global oil and LNG transport. Geopolitical conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global shipping routes. More than 80% of global goods trade is transported by sea. The Strait is one of three key maritime choke points facing disruption.

What Iran's Attack Means For Commodities

Investing in politically sensitive commodities, such as oil and metals, could mitigate the potential impacts of rising geopolitical turmoil. Iran’s direct attack on Israel may carry significant implications for global commodity markets. The threat of further Iran-Israel escalation combined with sanctions on Russian metals underscores the need for diversification into geopolitically sensitive commodities.

Middle East Escalation Boosts Oil Supply Risks

Risks to Middle East oil supply are at their highest since October last year. The oil market continues to be supported by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Price action in the oil market has been surprising following Iran's attack on Israel. The risk of disruption to Middle Eastern supply is growing. Stricter enforcement of oil sanctions against Iran, Israel retaliating and Iran attempting to block the Strait of Hormuz are key risks to oil supply.

U.S. crude oil drops by most since January as supplies rise more than expected

U.S. Crude oil drops by most since January as supplies rise more than expected. Fourth straight weekly build in inventories and weaker economic data from China outweighed Middle East tensions. Front-month crude prices drop to their lowest in three weeks. China's economy grew by a stronger than expected 5.3% in March, but other indicators point to lackluster demand.

Oil stays flat as Middle East worries offset by higher-for-longer rates outlook

Crude oil futures end little changed as Middle East worries offset by higher-for-longer rates outlook. Analysts believe Israel's response to Iran's missile attack will be limited in scope. Strong U.S. Retail sales in March reinforce expectations the Fed will not cut interest rates before September.

Possible Rising Recriminations Face The Stock Market

Oil's rally takes a breather but traders await Israel's response to Iran attack

Crude oil futures fall as traders await Israel's response to Iran's weekend missile and drone attack. Investors worry the breadth of the assault may leave Israel with no choice but to retaliate. Oil prices had risen to their highest since October in anticipation of Iran's attack. The outlook for oil seems to hinge on the Israeli response to the attack, analysts say. Citi raised its short-term oil price forecast.