In times of market turbulence like this, I find it useful to do two things: make simple observations, and seek solace in the wisdom of others. So this week I have turned to the most voracious voice of reason, Winston Churchill, to help me make some sense of this all. This is what he has told me: » read more
At a time when we approach the unprecedented potential of a default by the US on its national debt, it is worth acknowledging that there may well be trouble ahead (…and imminently). As we face the music and prepare to lace up our dancing shoes, it seems prudent to remember where we were a year ago, and then appraise whether current downbeat perceptions are muddying the water. So from the starting point of Energyland™ to the general economy, let’s take a look at ten reference points, to see if we need to throw in the towel, or just throw some shapes: » read more
This morning’s appearance on CNBC was at an almost-civil time of 7.45am, compared to my recent early-morning jaunts on Squawk Box. Nonetheless, it was as fun as always, discussing the current impact of earnings season, the euro, and the IEA on the crude market. Hark, click on the below mugshot to launch to the clip:
The impact from events in MENA (Middle East / North Africa) in the past couple of months has been uncompromisingly bullish for the energy complex, and specifically crude oil. However, with the coming of a second ‘black swan’ event in quick succession to this first outlier through the earthquake in Japan, markets this time have been dealt a very different hand, in that the impact to the energy complex is not quite as clear cut. » read more
What a week it has been; the first day seemed like a week and the second day seemed like five days. In another week dominated by the unrest in the Middle East, WTI crude oil is set for its biggest weekly increase in two years, as fear builds in a sizeable premium to prices. As for natural gas, it has touched a three-month low before finding support around the $3.85ish level, as the last gasp of wintry weather (yes, wishful thinking) is duking it out with a storage level eyeing a flip-flop back to a surplus versus last year. Let’s finish this week up and chow down: » read more
Matt Smith spent his twenties working in investment management in London, before swapping his bowler hat for a banjo and moving to Louisville, KY, and Summit Energy. When he is not reading, writing (or dreaming) about financial markets, he can be found enthusing about music, red wine, spicy food, or his family. And lamenting his soccer team, West Ham.
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