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Flight to Safety as Variant Fears Soar

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By Craig Erlam, Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA, OANDA

Risk assets are getting pummelled at the end of the week as a new Covid variant sparks fears of new restrictions and lockdowns.

The most worrying thing about the new strain at the moment is how little we know about it, with early indications being that it could be more problematic than delta. The biggest fear is that it will be resistant to vaccines and be a massive setback for countries that have reaped the benefits from their rollouts.

We’ll no doubt learn more in the days and weeks ahead but for now, fear of the unknown will weigh heavily going into the weekend and could carry over into next week. We’re seeing a typical flight to safety in the markets with equities, commodity currencies and oil getting whacked and traditional safe havens like bonds, gold, the yen and swissy getting plenty of love.

In times like this, we get a true sense of what investors consider to be real, reliable safe-havens. And bitcoin is off 8% today which has delivered a fatal blow to its safe-haven credentials, putting an end to another crypto myth that has surfaced over the years despite there being zero evidence to back it up. Maybe one day investors will have a different opinion but right now, when their cash is at stake, they’re sticking with safe-haven assets with a track record, as they should.

Pfizer has sought to calm nerves, stating that should a vaccine-escape variant emerge, it could produce a tailor-made vaccine in about 100 days. Three months can feel like a long time but when compared to where we were 18 months ago, that is very reassuring as a worst-case. It may not be quick enough to prevent more restrictions this winter though.

Erdogan standing firm on interest rates

Turkish President Erdogan is successfully talking down the lira once again, claiming there’s no turning back from the new economy program and that interest rates will decline. It’s incredible to see a President have such disregard for something that will have such a huge impact on so many people. It’s like he’s playing with the markets to see what he can get away with. In a sign of Erdoganomics fatigue, the currency has quickly recouped the more than 2% losses it incurred immediately following the comments. A sign that these antics are now expected and priced in, it seems.

Oil slides on variant concerns

Oil is among the assets taking a heavy beating on the variant news today, falling more than 5% as traders fret about the impact on restrictions and behaviour this winter. Even without severe restrictions, people will adopt more caution which will weigh on demand, as OPEC+ has repeatedly stated and factored into their models.

It seems the US and other consuming countries have played their hand too soon. Sure, Biden will score some political points ahead of the midterms as voters see prices at the pump fall, which was ultimately the goal. But should prices spike again early next year, what then?

Crude is back at levels last seen at the start of October and if this risk aversion continues in the weeks ahead, there’s plenty of room to fall. While OPEC+ would likely have avoided altering production plans next week or in the months following in response to the SPR releases, it may soon feel its hand is being forced. Next week may come too soon but another major outbreak could see them slam on the brakes.

Gold jumps on safe-haven appeal

Times like this are when gold shines and we’re seeing investors flock back to an old reliable friend today. It has pulled a little off its highs after hitting $1,815 earlier in the session but it remains above $1,800 at the time of writing. It’s an interesting one for gold and bonds, as the situation now is very different from last year.

Central banks can’t just turn on the taps again with a “whatever it takes” avalanche of cheap cash as they have before. Inflation is a real problem and lockdowns will exacerbate the problem. Sure, they may be a little more patient and hold off on raising rates next month in the case of some or accelerating tapering in the case of the Fed, but they can hardly ramp up their stimulus measures in any considerable way. Their hands are tied.

This should still be bullish for gold as, at the very least, central banks will delay tightening until they have a better idea of the risks to the economy. Allowing inflation to run hot unaddressed could increase the hedge appeal of gold again, particularly in these uncertain times.

Bitcoin remains a speculative risk asset, for now

In recent weeks we’ve seen that, in times of real uncertainty, bitcoin has not done well as an inflation hedge or a safe haven asset. There’s no doubt it’s a fascinating tradable instrument and a highly speculative one, but it’s quite clear now that it’s a risk asset and nothing more. Not at the moment anyway. Who knows what the future holds.

It’s taking a real beating today, off around 8% and looking vulnerable. Key support around $55,500 has fallen which will now draw attention back to $50,000. I’m sure soon enough the eternal crypto bulls will pile back in and smell a bargain but as we’ve seen so often in the past, bitcoin is capable of enormous gains and eye-watering corrections.

If this new variant triggers major risk aversion in the markets, it could come under serious pressure. Unless of course, the inflation narrative catches again. No sign of it yet but, as ever with crypto, it has an incredible ability to find the bullish case in anything. Maybe this will be next.

Crude Oil

Oil Prices Rise in Asian Trade as Supply Concerns Heighten Amid Russian Attacks

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Oil

Oil prices surged on Monday during the Asian trading session as concerns over global supply intensified amidst ongoing attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.

Brent crude oil, against which Nigerian oil is priced, climbed by 47 cents to $85.81 a barrel while the U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 49 cents to $81.53 a barrel.

The market’s bullish sentiment was largely influenced by recent attacks on Russian refineries, which added $2-$3 per barrel of risk premium to crude last week.

These attacks persisted over the weekend, further heightening concerns about supply disruptions.

One of the strikes ignited a brief fire at the Slavyansk refinery in Kasnodar on Saturday. This refinery processes approximately 8.5 million metric tons of crude oil annually, equating to 170,000 barrels per day.

Consequently, a Reuters analysis revealed that these attacks have idled around 7% of Russian refining capacity in the first quarter of the year.

The impacted refining complexes play a crucial role in processing and exporting crude varieties to various markets, including China and India.

The escalating tensions in the Middle East also contributed to market unease. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans to push into Gaza’s Rafah enclave, disregarding pressure from Israel’s allies.

This move raised concerns about regional stability, amplifying geopolitical risks in the oil market.

Investors are closely monitoring the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.

The Fed’s decision regarding interest rates could provide further clarity on market direction, potentially impacting oil prices in the near term.

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Commodities

Commodity Trading Industry Hits $100 Billion Profit, Second-Best Year on Record

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The global commodities market has reported $100 billion in profits despite facing challenges and disruptions, making its second-best year ever. 

According to analysis from consultancy firm Oliver Wyman LLC, while earnings have dipped slightly from the record-breaking levels of 2022, this year’s profits easily surpass previous highlights, including those seen during the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.

Consultant Adam Perkins attributes this success to favorable margins driven by ongoing supply-demand dynamics, despite the volatility seen in various sectors.

While specific financial results for many players within the industry are yet to be made public, the report indicates that major independent trading houses are expected to show an average drop of over 30% from the record levels of 2022.

However, disruptions in supply chains and shortages of diesel and fuel oil have somewhat offset the decline in volatility related to Russian crude oil.

These profits have enabled commodity trading firms to bolster their positions as key providers of energy, metals, and food resources on a global scale.

With significant investments in oil refineries, storage facilities, power plants, and acquisitions of other trading companies, these firms are solidifying their roles in shaping global supply chains.

Moreover, the windfall profits have led to executives and partners within these firms becoming multi-millionaires, facilitating a generational shift in leadership as seasoned traders retire.

Despite the pressure to uphold legacies and navigate increased scrutiny, the influx of new leadership presents opportunities for innovation and growth within the commodity trading sector.

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Crude Oil

Oil Prices Surge as IEA Boosts Demand Forecasts and Trims Non-OPEC Supply Projections

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Crude Oil

Oil prices skyrocketed following the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) adjustments to its demand and supply forecasts.

The IEA’s latest report, released Thursday, sent shockwaves through financial markets as it unveiled a robust upward revision in global demand estimates while simultaneously trimming projections for non-OPEC oil supply.

With unparalleled confidence, the IEA bolstered first-quarter global demand growth forecasts, citing improved outlooks in the United States and heightened bunkering demand due to extended voyages circumventing geopolitical hotspots.

This unexpected surge in demand projections has injected a newfound sense of optimism into an industry grappling with uncertainties amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Moreover, the IEA’s decision to slash its projections for non-OPEC supply further fueled market exuberance.

Factoring in recent cuts from the OPEC+ coalition and reduced output from non-OPEC nations, the agency’s revised supply forecast sent a clear signal to investors: the tide is turning in favor of tightening supply dynamics.

This monumental shift in market sentiment was reflected in Brent crude futures, which surged by 0.86% to $84.75 a barrel, marking a significant milestone in the oil market’s recovery.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude followed suit, climbing 1.04% to $80.55 a barrel, as traders reacted swiftly to the IEA’s bullish outlook.

As the energy landscape undergoes a paradigm shift, industry experts anticipate a sustained rally in oil prices, driven by robust demand growth and tightening supply dynamics.

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