I once again had the good fortune to appear on CNBC’s Squawk Box this morning to discuss oil and its tussle between geopolitical tension and bearish economic news. I also had no idea until I saw this clip that the ‘udder’ guy in the segment was dressed like a cow. Hark, click on the below mugshot to launch to it:
Well, no it isn’t (the question, that is). It is more of a statement or affirmation, as this post takes a look at two charts from two recent releases, BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy and the EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook , to show two contrasting themes. One chart illustrates key consumption levels, and the other illustrates the key lack thereof. » read more
And an unsurprising and uncontroversial speech from Federal Reserve (= US central bank) Chairman Ben Bernanke is releasing the pressure from the tires of anticipation that has steadily built up this week.
The fact that no further stimulus (read: Red Bull™*) was announced for the US economy is no shock, although the door of hope was left more than ajar for general markets by the announcement of an extra day of discussion by the Fed at their next meeting in September. » read more
I bid you good day and welcome to Q2, on a day which is jam-packed with action – Nonfarm Friday, global manufacturing data, April Fool’s Day, Method Man’s 40th birthday, the list goes on…I am actually going to shy away from any kind of April Fool’s prank – not because I can’t think of a good one (of course I could, ahem), but because there are more serious matters at hand (although this bean could solve the energy crisis). Conflict in MENA continues apace without any clear sign of resolution, while Japan remains fighting the threat of nuclear disaster. Crude is up to a 30-mth high on continued uncertainty, while natty keeps running into the wall of resistance at $4.40, dusting itself off, then charging again. In celebration of Q2…c’mon, let’s chew!: » read more
Grrrrr*. The contrarian in me has been somewhat bated, as although I believe crude prices should be moving higher based on all the uncertainty in the Middle East and Japan, we have seen a number of bearish indicators in markets generally this week which - if released at any other time – would usher the crude market lower. So in order for us not to get too wrapped up in pointing in one direction (…to infinity and beyond), here’s ten reasons why crude should be falling this week…but isn’t: » 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. 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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