Crude Oil Radar

2025-09-21 23:50

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 09/21/2025 Focus: Crude Oil
Crude broke above the 63.80 with some more news about Russian Supply risks - from a technical move - breaking above 63.80 is very pivotal - however it is still only “marginally” up. Watching for a re-test of 63.80 - but if we get over 66.84 - we are likely going to run to the $70s and beyond. Fundamentals are ironically looking bearish so I expect this bullish move to be a temporary one - and we will hit the $50s before launching into a long and strong bull move!

Today's Update

Updated: 2025-09-21 23:46:36 Length: 480 chars
Crude Oil has recently broken above the pivotal $63.80 level, influenced by ongoing Russian supply risks and proposals for new EU sanctions. While this technical movement suggests potential bullish momentum, the fundamentals appear bearish, hinting at a possible retreat toward the $50s before a long-term bullish trend emerges. Traders should watch for a re-test of $63.80; if it surpasses $66.84, it may surge into the $70s. However, caution is warranted as market dynamics r...

Market Summary

Technical Outlook

Moderately Bearish
Score: -2/5
Short: SELL | Medium: BUY | Long: SELL

International Prices

Brent: $66.68 $0.76
WTI: $62.68 $0.89
Spread: $4.0 (Brent premium of $4.00)

Key Fundamentals

Crude Stocks: N/A (0)
Net Imports: N/A (0)

News Sentiment

BEARISH

Spec Positioning

Net Position: 36,799
Weekly Change: 26,797

Technical Analysis

Overall Technical Score (-5 to +5): -2 (Moderately Bearish)
Current Price: $62.82
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BEARISH

MA(9): $63.3

MA(20): $63.51

Current Price is 62.82, 9 day MA 63.3, 20 day MA 63.51

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BULLISH

MACD: -0.3656

Signal: -0.4294

Days since crossover: 6

MACD crossed the line 6 days ago and is in a bullish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 45.73

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 45.73 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 8,256

Avg (20d): 201,626

Ratio: 0.04

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

BEARISH CROSS

%K: 32.08

%D: 35.08

Stochastic %K: 32.08, %D: 35.08. Signal: bearish cross

ADX (14)

NO TREND

ADX: 10.0

+DI: 14.77

-DI: 19.09

ADX: 10.0 (+DI: 14.77, -DI: 19.09). Trend: no trend

Williams %R (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: -67.92

Williams %R: -67.92 (neutral zone)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

BELOW MIDDLE

Upper: 65.39

Middle: 63.51

Lower: 61.63

Price vs BBands (20, 2): below middle. Upper: 65.39, Middle: 63.51, Lower: 61.63

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Crude Production (Thousand Barrels a Day) 13482.0 13495.0 13300.0 12733.33
Crude Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5692.0 6271.0 6867.0 6595.33
Crude Exports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5277.0 2745.0 3305.0 4398.67
Refinery Inputs (Thousand Barrels a Day) 16424.0 16818.0 16759.0 16378.67
Net Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 415.0 3526.0 3562.0 2196.67
Commercial Crude Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 415361.0 424646.0 419143.0 422247.67
Crude & Products Total Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 1688149.0 1686474.0 1659136.0 1649988.67
Gasoline Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 217650.0 219997.0 221552.0 218569.0
Distillate Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 124684.0 120638.0 125023.0 120688.0

International Price Analysis

International Price Summary

Brent crude (NOV 25) settled at $66.68, change $-0.76. WTI crude (OCT 25) settled at $62.68, change $-0.89. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $4.0 (Brent premium of $4.00). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.

Brent Crude

$66.68
0.76
(NOV 25)

WTI Crude

$62.68
0.89
(OCT 25)

Brent-WTI Spread

$4.0
Brent premium of $4.00

OPEC Analysis

OPEC Market Analysis

Executive Summary:

The current OPEC market situation reflects a slight decline in crude oil prices amid stable global economic growth and steady oil demand. Despite a drop in the OPEC Reference Basket value, production levels from both DoC and Non-DoC countries indicate a balanced supply-demand dynamic, with potential implications for future pricing and market strategies.

Key Market Metrics:

Category Value (mb/d)
World Production
Americas25.10
Europe13.54
Asia Pacific7.17
Total OECD45.81
China16.85
India5.70
Other Asia9.91
Latin America6.89
Middle East9.01
Africa4.80
Russia4.02
Other Eurasia1.31
Other Europe0.82
Total Non-OECD 59.33
World Demand
Americas Demand25.10
Europe Demand13.54
Asia Pacific Demand7.17
Total OECD Demand45.81
China Demand16.85
India Demand5.70
Other Asia Demand9.91
Latin America Demand6.89
Middle East Demand9.01
Africa Demand4.80
Russia Demand4.02
Other Eurasia Demand1.31
Other Europe Demand0.82
Total Non-OECD Demand 59.33
Total World Demand 105.14
Non-DoC Production
US Non-DoC Production22.07
Canada Non-DoC Production6.06
Chile Non-DoC Production0.01
OECD Americas Non-DoC Production28.14
Norway Non-DoC Production2.02
UK Non-DoC Production0.72
Denmark Non-DoC Production0.07
Other OECD Europe Non-DoC Production0.76
OECD Europe Non-DoC Production3.57
Australia Non-DoC Production0.35
Other OECD Asia Pacific Non-DoC Production0.07
OECD Asia Pacific Non-DoC Production0.42
Total OECD Non-DoC Production 32.13
DoC Production
Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs)8.70
DoC Crude Production42.40

Supply-Demand Balance Analysis:

The current data indicates that total world demand stands at approximately 105.14 mb/d, while total world production is slightly lower at 104.25 mb/d, resulting in a marginal supply surplus. This balance suggests a stable market environment, but with potential for price fluctuations if production levels change significantly or if demand increases unexpectedly.

Production Landscape:

In 2025, the major contributors to global oil production include the United States with 22.07 mb/d, followed by Saudi Arabia and Russia. The DoC countries have increased their production, averaging 42.40 mb/d, indicating a robust commitment to maintaining output levels. Notably, Non-DoC production is also on the rise, particularly from the US, Brazil, and Canada, which are expected to drive growth in the coming years.

Demand Patterns:

CFTC CoT Analysis

Sentiment: Bullish and Strengthening
Positioning: Normal Range
Report Date: 2025-09-16

Managed Money

36,799
Change: +26,797
1.9% of OI

Producer/Merchant

292,741
Change: -8,659
14.9% of OI

Swap Dealers

-407,490
Change: -3,935
-20.8% of OI

Open Interest

1,962,620
Change: 5,505

Summary Analysis:

CFTC Commitment of Traders Report (Disaggregated) as of 2025-09-16

Crude Oil Positioning (WTI-PHYSICAL - NYMEX):

Open Interest: 1,962,620 contracts (+5,505)

Managed Money Net Position: 36,799 contracts (1.9% of OI)

Weekly Change in Managed Money Net: +26,797 contracts

Producer/Merchant Net Position: 292,741 contracts

Swap Dealer Net Position: -407,490 contracts

Market Sentiment (based on Managed Money): Bullish and Strengthening

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.

News Analysis

Market Sentiment Overview

BEARISH
Average Polarity: -0.6
Confidence: 1.0
Articles Analyzed: 31
Last Updated: 2025-09-21 23:49:35

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

-0.6

Top News Topics

Geopolitical (1 articles)

Economic Analysis

Economic Sentiment Summary

POSITIVE - Economic indicators generally supportive
Dollar Impact: Strong USD may pressure commodity prices
Industrial Demand: Strong industrial demand signals
Interest Rate Impact: Rising rates may impact energy demand
Risk Sentiment: Low market volatility/risk appetite

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

97.78
Daily: 0.14 (0.15%)
Weekly: 1.15 (1.19%)

US_10Y

4.14
Daily: 0.03 (0.85%)
Weekly: 0.11 (2.6%)

SP500

6664.36
Daily: 32.4 (0.49%)
Weekly: 49.08 (0.74%)

VIX

15.45
Daily: -0.25 (-1.59%)
Weekly: -0.24 (-1.53%)

GOLD

3729.0
Daily: 57.5 (1.57%)
Weekly: 40.1 (1.09%)

COPPER

4.64
Daily: 0.07 (1.51%)
Weekly: 0.01 (0.11%)

Fibonacci Analysis

Current Price: $62.82
Closest Support: $61.45 2.18% below current price
Closest Resistance: $63.59 1.23% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $61.45 Support
0.236 $63.59 Resistance
0.382 $64.91
0.5 $65.98
0.618 $67.05
0.786 $68.57
1.0 $70.51

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $72.97
1.618 $76.11
2.0 $79.57
2.618 $85.17

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $62.68
Forecast Generated: 2025-09-21 23:49:37
Next Trading Day: DOWN 0.06%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2025-09-20 $62.64 $60.76 $64.52
2025-09-21 $62.6 $60.72 $64.47
2025-09-22 $62.66 $60.78 $64.54
2025-09-23 $62.7 $60.83 $64.58
2025-09-24 $62.76 $60.88 $64.63

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price decrease of ~0.06% for the next trading day (2025-09-20), reaching $62.64.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2025-09-20 and 2025-09-24.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~6.0% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Bearish signal, moderate uncertainty.

AI Analysis

💹

For Energy Traders:

The bearish sentiment in the market, with a sentiment score of -0.600, suggests a cautious approach. The $66.68 for Brent and $62.68 for WTI indicate potential support levels at these prices. The widening Brent-WTI spread of $4.00 reflects ongoing supply dynamics that could offer short-term trading opportunities, especially if geopolitical tensions escalate. Watch for volatility as managed money positioning has shifted to a net short position, indicating potential for price corrections or rebounds.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

With the crude oil commercial stocks at 1,317 mb, which is significantly lower than historical averages, producers should consider adjusting production planning to align with the tightening supply. The hedging strategies may be revised to mitigate risks associated with fluctuating prices, particularly with the current bearish sentiment in the market. Understanding the implications of inventory levels can help in optimizing operational efficiency and maintaining profitability amidst market fluctuations.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Refineries/Transportation):

Consumers should prepare for potential input cost fluctuations, as the current $66.68 Brent and $62.68 WTI prices may lead to higher procurement costs. The geopolitical risks, particularly surrounding sanctions and supply reliability, necessitate a reevaluation of procurement strategies. Additionally, with the tightening inventory levels, it is advisable to consider hedging options to mitigate the impact of price volatility on operational costs.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The current Crude Oil market is characterized by bearish sentiment driven by managed money positioning and declining prices. The fundamentals indicate a tightening supply scenario, particularly with OECD commercial inventories below historical averages. Key drivers include geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in global demand, particularly from non-OECD countries. Analysts should monitor these factors closely, as shifts in sentiment and positioning could lead to significant market outlook changes in the near term.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investment decisions.