MA(9): $63.25
MA(20): $65.13
MACD: -1.0788
Signal: -0.8384
Days since crossover: 12
Value: 41.83
Category: NEUTRAL
Current: 7,766
Avg (20d): 253,905
Ratio: 0.03
%K: 14.14
%D: 12.08
ADX: 17.18
+DI: 13.83
-DI: 21.86
Value: -85.86
Upper: 69.69
Middle: 65.13
Lower: 60.57
| Category | Current (BCFD) | Last Week | Last Year | 3 Yr Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Production (Thousand Barrels a Day) | 13382.0 | 13327.0 | 13300.0 | 12733.33 |
| Crude Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) | 6497.0 | 6920.0 | 6285.0 | 6585.33 |
| Crude Exports (Thousand Barrels a Day) | 4372.0 | 3577.0 | 3756.0 | 4160.0 |
| Refinery Inputs (Thousand Barrels a Day) | 17208.0 | 17180.0 | 16467.0 | 16573.33 |
| Net Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) | 2125.0 | 3343.0 | 2529.0 | 2425.33 |
| Commercial Crude Stocks (Thousand Barrels) | 420684.0 | 426698.0 | 430678.0 | 427076.33 |
| Crude & Products Total Stocks (Thousand Barrels) | 1666537.0 | 1670549.0 | 1663659.0 | 1645789.33 |
| Gasoline Stocks (Thousand Barrels) | 223570.0 | 226290.0 | 222203.0 | 217956.67 |
| Distillate Stocks (Thousand Barrels) | 116028.0 | 113685.0 | 126123.0 | 117031.0 |
Brent crude (OCT 25) settled at $65.79, change $-0.81. WTI crude (SEP 25) settled at $62.35, change $-1.07. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $3.44 (Brent premium of $3.44). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.
OPEC expresses a cautious optimism regarding the market outlook, despite recent price declines and adjustments in economic growth forecasts.
| Metric | Value/Forecast | Source/Comment |
|---|---|---|
| World Oil Demand Growth 2025 | 1.3 mb/d | Unchanged from last month’s assessment |
| World Oil Demand Growth 2026 | 1.3 mb/d | Unchanged from last month’s assessment |
| Non-OPEC Liquids Supply Growth 2025 | 0.8 mb/d | Revised down by 0.1 mb/d |
| Non-OPEC Liquids Supply Growth 2026 | 0.8 mb/d | Revised down by 0.1 mb/d |
| Call on OPEC Crude 2025 | 42.6 mb/d | Revised upward by 0.1 mb/d |
| Call on OPEC Crude 2026 | 42.9 mb/d | Revised upward by 0.1 mb/d |
| OECD Commercial Stock Deviation | 173 mb below 2015–2019 average | As of March |
| Compliance Levels | N/A | Not Mentioned |
OPEC maintains a focus on market stability and is prepared to adjust production levels as necessary to respond to changing demand dynamics and economic conditions. The organization emphasizes the importance of cooperation among member countries to ensure a balanced oil market.
"The front end of the ICE Brent, NYMEX WTI and GME Oman forward curves strengthened further in April, reflecting traders’ optimism about the market outlook in the short-term."
"Demand for DoC crude is revised upward, indicating a positive adjustment in market expectations."
CFTC Commitment of Traders Report (Disaggregated) as of 2025-08-12
Crude Oil Positioning (WTI-PHYSICAL - NYMEX):
Open Interest: 2,010,959 contracts (-25,465)
Managed Money Net Position: 48,865 contracts (2.4% of OI)
Weekly Change in Managed Money Net: -32,472 contracts
Producer/Merchant Net Position: 299,912 contracts
Swap Dealer Net Position: -442,202 contracts
Market Sentiment (based on Managed Money): Bullish but Weakening
Positioning Analysis (Managed Money): Normal Range
Key Takeaways:
- Managed Money traders are large speculators, often driving price trends in Crude Oil.
- Producer/Merchant positions primarily reflect hedging activity.
- Swap Dealers act as intermediaries.
- Extreme positioning by Managed Money can indicate potential market reversals.
- CFTC data reports positions as of the report date, usually released each Friday.
About Disaggregated CoT Reports:
The Disaggregated CoT report provides a more detailed breakdown of futures market open interest.
It categorizes traders into: Producer/Merchant/Processor/User (Commercials), Swap Dealers, Managed Money (Speculators), and Other Reportables.
| Date | Prediction | Lower Bound | Upper Bound |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-21 | $63.14 | $61.0 | $65.28 |
| 2025-08-22 | $63.22 | $61.08 | $65.36 |
| 2025-08-23 | $63.19 | $61.05 | $65.33 |
| 2025-08-24 | $63.24 | $61.1 | $65.38 |
| 2025-08-25 | $63.19 | $61.05 | $65.33 |
The recent price movements indicate a bearish sentiment in the market, as both Brent and WTI prices have declined significantly. The $65.79 for Brent and $62.35 for WTI suggest a challenging environment for bullish positions. The Fibonacci support levels may be tested, especially if the $62.00 level for WTI is breached. The $3.44 Brent-WTI spread reflects ongoing divergence between U.S. and global supply/demand dynamics, which could present short-term trading opportunities for those speculating on spreads. Volatility is expected to persist due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating inventory levels, making it crucial to stay alert for potential shifts.
Producers should consider the implications of inventory levels on their production planning. With OECD commercial crude stocks at 1,323 mb, which is 139 mb less than the 2015–2019 average, there may be pressure to adjust production levels to respond to market conditions. The hedging strategies may need to be revisited given the market sentiment and the potential for further price declines. Additionally, the geopolitical risks highlighted by the news sentiment could impact operations, making it essential to have contingency plans in place.
Consumers should prepare for potential fluctuations in input costs, with current prices at $65.79 for Brent and $62.35 for WTI. The supply reliability risks due to geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Russian oil supplies, could affect procurement strategies. The hedging considerations are vital in this environment, especially with the bearish market sentiment prevalent. Monitoring global inventory levels and refining margins will be crucial in making informed purchasing decisions.
The Crude Oil market is currently influenced by a mix of bearish factors, including declining prices, geopolitical uncertainties, and fluctuating inventory levels. The supply-demand balance indicates a modest growth in global oil demand, projected at 1.3 mb/d for both 2025 and 2026, while supply growth from non-DoC countries is revised down. The geopolitical risks and the weakening sentiment observed in CFTC positioning suggest potential shifts in market dynamics that could impact future price forecasts. Analysts should closely monitor these developments to refine outlooks and strategies.