*Oil Through the Looking Glass 14/7/20*

*US Shale Production to Hit Two Year Low* Shale oil production in the United States looks set to fall to 7.49 million bpd, a drop of 56,000 in a forecast published by the EIA. The U.S. oil and natural gas rig count fell by five to an all-time low of 258 in the week to …

Capesize rates slip on thin physical activity

Capesize rates slipped again over market concerns on the deteriorating physical market with long tonnage list in the Pacific market. On that note, the Capesize 5 time charter average dipped by $680 day-on-day to $26,964 on Monday, as the paper market came under pressure on declining physical market. Following the decline, the Baltic Dry Index …

After flaming June, dry July for oil market?

Rising COVID-19 cases globally reached 13 million infections and half million deaths, remaining a key drag on market sentiments. With California, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Australia tightening restrictions again as daily infections spike, July could be an even more challenging month for oil than expected.   Moreover, the market will be monitoring closely the …

*Oil Through the Looking Glass 13/7/20*

*The Easing of OPEC’s Cuts?* With returning demand OPEC could start to loosen its production cuts after its recent move at strict adherence to the agreement. Saudi Arabia, who had previously been the main driver behind getting absolute compliance with the cut agreement from all participants, apparently is now pushing to an easing of the …

Capesize rates correct on muted market activity

Capesize rates dropped on limited market activity as some trade participants were away due to public holiday in Singapore. The Capesize 5 time charter average dipped by $437 day-on-day to $27,644 on Friday, as the paper market was muted and rangebound due to the Singapore holiday. Due to the quiet market, the Baltic Dry Index …

OPEC+ ponders when and how far to cut

OPEC’s Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to recommend the next level of cuts after compliance in the group hit 107% in June, up from 77% in May.   Record high inventories in the US and a second wave contagion around the globe have added speculation that OPEC+ might yet …