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The oil market has a habit of looking settled right before it stops being settled. That is the setup now.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply as the conflict around Iran has intensified, and more vessels are going dark by switching off AIS, or Automatic Identification System, signals that usually show where ships are moving. Hormuz is not just another shipping lane. It is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, so when visibility starts to disappear, supply risk moves back to the centre of the conversation.
Why this matters now
This matters for a couple of reasons.
The headline move is one thing. The market implication is another. Oil is not only about how many barrels exist, rather, it is also about whether those barrels can move, who is willing to insure them, how long buyers are prepared to wait and how much extra risk traders feel they need to price in.
Right now, three things are colliding at once: disrupted shipping, fragile diplomacy and a market that is already leaning heavily in one direction. That combination can make Brent move faster than the fundamentals alone would normally suggest.
What is driving the move
1 Supply visibility is deteriorating
The first driver is simple. The market can see less, and that tends to make it more nervous.
Transit through Hormuz has fallen sharply, while a growing share of traffic has involved ships that are no longer broadcasting standard tracking signals. In plain English, fewer vessels are moving normally through a critical corridor, and more of the activity is becoming harder to track. That does not automatically mean supply is about to collapse. But it does mean uncertainty is rising.
2 Iran’s storage buffer may be limited
The second driver is Iran’s export and storage constraint.
Onshore storage capacity is estimated at about 40 million barrels, and the market is watching what some describe as a 16-day red line. That is the point at which a prolonged export disruption could begin forcing production cuts to avoid damage to reservoirs. For newer readers, the takeaway is straightforward. If oil cannot leave storage for long enough, the problem may stop being about delayed exports and start becoming a genuine supply issue.
3 Positioning could amplify the move
The third driver is positioning, which is just market shorthand for how traders are already set up before the next move happens.
In this case, speculative crude positioning looks heavily one-sided. That matters because when a market is leaning too far in one direction, it does not take much to trigger a sharp adjustment. A fresh geopolitical shock could force traders to move quickly, and once that starts, price can run harder than the underlying news alone might justify.
Why the market cares
An oil shock rarely stays contained inside the energy market.
Higher crude prices can start showing up in freight, manufacturing and household energy bills. That means inflation expectations can start creeping higher again. Central banks are already trying to manage a difficult balance between sticky inflation and softer growth, so higher oil can make that job harder.
And this is not just a story about oil producers getting a lift. Airlines, transport companies and other fuel-sensitive businesses can come under pressure quickly when energy costs rise. Broader equity markets may also have to rethink the policy outlook if higher oil keeps inflation firmer than expected.
The ripple effects go well beyond oil
There is also a currency angle, and it is less straightforward than it first appears.
Commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar often get support when raw material prices rise. But that relationship is not automatic. If oil is climbing because global demand is improving, that can help. If it is climbing because geopolitical risk is spiking, markets can shift into risk-off mode instead, and that can weigh on the Australian dollar even as commodity prices rise.
That is what makes this kind of move more interesting than it looks at first glance. The same oil rally can support one part of the market while putting pressure on another.
Assets and names in the frame
Brent crude remains the clearest read on broad supply risk. If traders want the cleanest expression of the headline story, this is usually where they look first.
- ExxonMobil is one of the more obvious names in the frame. Higher oil prices can support realised selling prices and near-term earnings momentum, although it is never as simple as oil up, stock up. Costs, production mix and broader sentiment still matter.
- NextEra Energy adds another layer. This story is not only about fossil fuels. When energy security becomes a bigger concern, the case for domestic power resilience, grid investment and alternative generation can strengthen as well.
- AUD/USD is another market worth watching. Australia is closely tied to commodity cycles, so stronger raw material prices can sometimes support the currency. But if markets are reacting more to fear than growth, that usual tailwind may not hold.
For newer readers, the key point is that oil moves do not spread through markets in a neat, predictable line. They ripple outward unevenly, helping some assets, pressuring others and sometimes doing both at the same time.
What could go wrong
A strong narrative is not the same as a one-way trade.
A ceasefire could stabilise shipping flows faster than expected. OPEC+ could offset some of the tightness by lifting production. Demand data from China could disappoint, shifting the focus back to weak consumption rather than constrained supply. And if the geopolitical premium fades, oil could pull back more quickly than the current mood suggests.
For newer readers, the takeaway is simple. Oil rallies can be real without being permanent. A move may be justified in the short term by disruption risk, then reverse quickly if those risks ease or if demand softens.
The market is no longer pricing oil in isolation. It is pricing visibility, transport security and the risk that supply disruption spills into inflation, currencies and broader risk sentiment.
That is why Hormuz matters, even for readers who never trade a barrel of crude themselves.
We have seen a quiet recovery for Pound Sterling in the absence of any negative headlines. Add to this some rambunctious tweets from President Trump weakening the Dollar and the GBPUSD pair is tip-toeing upwards, shrugging off the recent dip below 1.30 as nothing more than a temporary blip. It is these sudden blips or brief recoveries in Cable that leave traders scratching their heads and pondering the now tiresome question, "Is this Brexit related?".
The short answer is that it is just too difficult to dissect the Brexit fundamentals, mainly due to a lack of clarity surrounding negotiations. I guess you could argue that the longer-term drop in the Pound could be a sign that the market has already begun pricing in a degree of uncertainty, but it's more likely that nobody truly knows the outcome. Whatever happens, the technical picture for GBPUSD suggests we may be in for a continued move down unless something drastically changes the overall market sentiment.
A Look At The Charts First, we will visit GBPUSD on the daily timeframe using the Point & Figure method, as I believe it provides us with a reasonable downside target. (GBPUSD – Daily) As shown, a bearish resistance line formed around the 1.36 mark which put us firmly in a downtrend. It was a bold move south from the 1.44 highs and shows signs that the bears are in control longer-term. Price collapsing through the 130.50 support level was significant as it had failed on three previous attempts.
Assuming the weight of this trend continues, the chart suggests 1.28 as the next major area of support. Given we reached as low as 129.60 last week, it appears this level could be within reach in the coming weeks. Alternatively, a bullish move towards 1.33 would require us to reassess the latest trend, and anything above this region has the potential to be a minefield of choppy resistance.
On the daily Ichimoku chart below, we see a great example of this. Note the thickness of the cloud above 1.33, although not impenetrable, it will likely be gather upward momentum. (GBPUSD -Daily) Perhaps the most precise view of Brexit's progress when it comes to the value of Sterling can be seen in the EURGBP pairing. (EURGBP – Daily) The EURGBP daily chart highlights Brexit's indecision or lack of clarity as reflected in this longer-term range. Since October last year, we have yet to see a final move from either the Pound or the Euro.
Euro Winning The Race To Break First One thing I would point out is that the Euro has its nose in front regarding strength against the Sterling. The latest price is trading well-above the 200 EMA (Exponential Moving Average) which is a bullish signal. We can also see the Euro gaining much ground over the past month against its counterpart.
Any continuation of this move would make 0.90 a critical level to watch. Remaining Focused In A Sleepy Market There is always a tendency to become complacent when currencies have been trading in a long-term range, or when political campaigns survive well past their use by date, polluting the fundamentals. Trading can become less exciting, and we start to assume that the status quo will remain.
In this case however, it is worth keeping tabs on the Pound Sterling, as once Brexit is resolved one way or another, we could see some considerable shifts in the market whilst as those on the sidelines are caught napping. Adam Taylor CFTe GO Markets This article is written by a GO Markets Analyst and is based on their independent analysis. They remain fully responsible for the views expressed as well as any remaining error or omissions.
Trading Forex and Derivatives carries a high level of risk.
South Africa Update 8 th August 2017, the day president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, which made sure that he will maintain power of one of the biggest economies in the African continent. It is worth noting that it was the eighth vote of no-confidence that Zuma has survived since being in charge. About Jacob Zuma Name: Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Born: 12 April 1942 Birthplace: Nkandla, South Africa Political part: African National Congress Jacob Zuma, who has been involved in corruption allegations since being elected as the president of South Africa in 2009, survived the vote by a majority of 198 votes to 177 after the vote was called by the Democratic Alliance party who accused Zuma of suppressing democracy.
Even though the motion was defeated, it might still have an impact on the party which currently leads South Africa. Unlike the previous no-confidence votes, the latest vote was held anonymously and there were suggestions it could reach 50 votes of no-confidence from the Zuma’s African National Congress party, which is the number required to pass the motion. Instead 24 members of his part voted against their leader, around 12 others refrained or failed to show up to the vote which would suggest further unrest within the party further down the line.
Many have suggested that Zuma will not last until 2019, which is when the next general election takes place. Financial Markets The South African Rand weakened against the US Dollar after President Jacob Zuma survived a no-confidence which could have ended his administration of the African nation. The decline was a big turnaround for the Rand which was the best performing major currency on earlier in the week.
Despite the result, it is unlikely to cause a major weakness as the result was largely priced in before the vote took place. USD/ZAR By: Klavs Valters GO Markets
NZDCAD - Daily To begin with, let’s take a look at the NZDCAD. Admittedly not the liveliest minor pair but in this instance, I think it is worth a mention. On the daily time frame, we can see the price is hovering around the critical support zone of 0.8850, an area that has been tested three times already this year but has failed to mount any significant challenges to the downside.
The latest candle suggests the bulls are attempting to regain control and we may see moves up to re-test previous areas of resistance. A potential catalyst for a bounce is lurking within the RSI indicator which shows NZDCAD heading into oversold territory. Upside targets start at 0.90 before testing the previous high of 0.9225.
Should the 0.8850 regions become unstuck, evidence of previous support is around last December’s lows of 0.87 EURUSD - Daily Not a great deal to discuss for the pair during this period of consolidation. However, it is interesting to see how price action is responding to the lower levels of the Ichimoku cloud shown above. Notice several recent attempts under the cloud before causing temporary reversals each time.
All the other indicators on this daily chart including the lagging Chikou Span (purple line) are bearish. At this point, we could see price retrace back to the previous low of 1.15080 before resuming an upward trajectory longer-term. I say this tentatively because if you look at the weekly chart, the price has not closed above the 200 EMA for the past seven weeks.
USOIL- Daily Lastly, without delving into the fundamental drivers of the commodity, displayed is the strong uptrend we have witnessed during the July to September period last year. Technically speaking, we require at least three points of reference to validate these lines, so confirmation is pending. There are also two weekly pivots in the region of 72.00 which could be the next port of call for the price of oil.
Above here, we are likely to see 74.00 tested as well. I think the point and figure chart below displays this more clearly. We have a bullish support line that remains steadfast, and the price is edging upwards to re-touch the 74.00 mark.
In both charts, it would seem 68.00 is the level to watch before revising the overall trend. It is also worthy of a downside target in the interim. By Adam Taylor CFTe This article is written by a GO Markets Analyst and is based on their independent analysis.
They remain fully responsible for the views expressed as well as any remaining error or omissions. Trading Forex and Derivatives carries a high level of risk.
Have you spotted something unusual happening with the Japanese Yen? With the likes of protectionism dominating global headlines, the Yen is weakening amid broader risk aversion which is out of character for the currency. A Confidence crisis among Asian markets You have to wonder if the currency is absorbing some of the inherent uncertainty brought about by various negotiations in the region or whether there is something else at play?
Historically, we would expect to see signs of strength returning to the Yen in the USDJPY pair but so far we have not seen a great deal. Looking at the Daily charts below, evidence of bullish activity is rife. We see price action firmly in an uptrend above the longer-term moving averages and posting positive gains for July.
USDJPY – Daily At this stage, the chart suggests we might see a change in direction given the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is quite overbought, but it is hard to give this idea much validity in contrast with the other indicators. I suspect any sudden shift to the downside could see the weekly pivot level of 111.80 become a potential target. Alternatively, should the Dollar hold firm, it may struggle to break the 114.00 level as this area has proved somewhat resilient over the past year.
Not all the Yen crosses appear weak Ignoring the Dollar, let's take a peek at the AUDJPY cross as there could be an opportunity to go long Yen after all. Notice that we are approaching the top of a range on the daily and price action appears trapped in a sideways move. This range extends between the 84.50 and 81.00 levels, and with the price now touching 83.50 we're not too far away.
AUDJPY - Daily Has this pair found a ceiling? The 84.50 level is crucial as it marks the most recent high. It was last challenged in June but was short-lived; only one day to be exact.
This swift failed attempt suggests any further attempts may result in the same. Also, the weakness of the previous day's candles makes it appear the bulls are either fading or somewhat indecisive. This clue might be the turning point at which the pair gains some momentum in the opposite direction once again finding those support levels of 82.00/81.00.
We cannot get carried away though. As mentioned, the Japanese Yen is acting out of character as of late so we must not rule out the possibility of a further rally. Past 84.50 the next pocket of resistance appears to be at 85.50.
A quick glance at the hourly chart also highlights the willingness of the bulls to jump back in at any time. Look at how the price rebounded off the weekly pivot and followed through to the upside in the short-term. AUDJPY – Hourly Faith as a safe-haven restored?
Of course, many traders will still consider the Japanese Yen as a safer place to invest during times of turmoil. And I think Japan's government will take action to help relieve concerns. Only yesterday Japan signed a free-trade deal with the EU which is an enormous partnership and will go a long way to squash some of those fears.
We will have to wait and see in the coming weeks if the currency can restore its prowess as a safe-haven asset. Adam Taylor CFTe GO Markets This article is written by a GO Markets Analyst and is based on their independent analysis. They remain fully responsible for the views expressed as well as any remaining error or omissions.
Trading Forex and Derivatives carries a high level of risk.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will make its first interest rate decision for the year 2019. We will see the Press Conference, Rate and Monetary Policy Statement on Wednesday. Market participants are expecting the RBNZ to adopt the same dovishness seen lately by major central banks The Reserve Bank of Australia The Federal Reserve Bank The European Central Bank The Bank of England.
The global downside risks have increased, and major central banks are downgrading their growth forecasts. It is widely expected that the RBNZ will follow suit in the shift towards easing and echoed the RBA’s concerns. New Zealand’s economy has slowed in the second half of 2018.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 1.0% in the June 2018 quarter compared to the September quarter whereby the economy increased by only 0.3%. June 2018 Quarter: GDP, Industry growth and contribution to growth. Source: Stats NZ September 2018 Quarter: GDP, Industry growth and contribution to growth.
Source: Stats NZ The Labour market reports received last week might add to a more cautious tone from the RBNZ. The Unemployment rate rose back to 4.3% in the December 2018 quarter, up from 4.0% (revised) in the previous quarter. The Housing sector is also experiencing volatility dragged by bank prudence, investor wariness, and affordability constraints, along with the foreign buyer ban, which prevents foreigners from buying homes.
Keeping these in mind, and in anticipation of the same dovish comments from the RBNZ, the markets are aggressively pricing in the chance of a rate cut later this year which is weighing heavily on the local currency. The price action of New Zealand dollar pairs will, therefore, depend on how dovish the RBNZ will be compared to the current expectations. It should be noted that odds of a rate cut were also on the table last year.
However, back in January, the released inflation data cast some doubts about a cut, and it will be interesting to see how the RBNZ plays out the growing global risks.
After a Liberal leadership crisis hit the Australian dollar last week, the victory of former Treasurer, Scott Morrison brought some relief to the markets given that he was the most market-friendly option. This week the Australian banks are in the limelight. The banking sector recently made headlines over the Royal Commission’s investigation but a month before the first findings of the royal commission are released, a surprise increase in the variable home loan rates by Westpac stole the show.
The reason behind the hike appears to be the “higher borrowing costs from international markets”. The impact on the financial markets was immediate: ASX200 touched another fresh 10-yr high boosted by the financial index which jumped by 1.5%. Source: GO Markets MT4 (Weekly Chart) The Australian Dollar dropped sharply and saw more than 70 pips movement after the announcement.
Source: GO Markets MT4 (Hourly Chart) Westpac's move is similar to the RBA tightening of the economy. The Reserve Bank was under pressure to hike interest rate, and such a move should have cheered up the Australian dollar. However, higher mortgage repayments and a stagnant economy were the reasons behind the reluctance of the RBA to increase the interest rate.
The bank independent pricing decisions will increase the mortgage burden on Australians who are already bearing higher living costs- rising energy prices and private health insurance costs. Subsequently, Consumer Confidence and household spending will likely take a hit and those concerns could put pressure on the RBA to take actions. A rate hike is unlikely, and the markets are either expecting the RBA to stay on hold for longer than expected or even reduce rate.
Loan funding pressures can change the dynamics of the current monetary policy as the probability of a rate hike in 2019 decreases while the possibility of a cut increases. The central bank would have to wait and analyse the impact of this sudden bank interest rate hike on the macroeconomic level. All eyes are on the next RBA meeting as the local currency could suffer a more profound decline on a deeper dovish RBA expectations.