Crude Oil Radar

2025-10-02 23:53

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 10/02/2025 Focus: Crude Oil
On Sunday’s video I discussed that we would likely head back down to 63.80 and possibly more…well that didn’t take long. WTI is resting below that critical support/resistance line of 63.80 and may be sizing up for the drop below 61.64 which opens up the 50s. OPEC+ is looking at accelerating returning the remaining cuts in Nov-Dec-Jan - which is a bit odd as this is also normally a weak part of the annual price cycle. But possibly this move puts the OPEC countries in the driver seat with corporate drilling budgets being finalized for 2026 - so this could drop drilling activity more and thus opening up space for more DoC country production. Add in a bit of bearish outlook on the government shutdown and this provides good fuel for the bulls to attempt that push down. 61.64 is the line in the sand.

Today's Update

Updated: 2025-10-02 23:47:22 Length: 480 chars
Crude oil prices are facing significant downward pressure, recently resting below the critical $63.80 level and potentially heading towards $61.64, signaling a bearish sentiment. This week marks the steepest decline in over three months, driven by concerns over global oversupply and weak energy demand. Notably, OPEC+ is considering reversing production cuts, potentially compounding the bearish outlook. Traders should watch for reactions to this policy shift and the implica...

Market Summary

Technical Outlook

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

International Prices

Brent: $67.04 $0.02
WTI: $61.78 $0.59
Spread: $5.26 (Brent premium of $5.26)

Key Fundamentals

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

News Sentiment

BEARISH

Spec Positioning

Net Position: 26,483
Weekly Change: 10,316

Technical Analysis

Overall Technical Score (-5 to +5): -2 (Moderately Bearish)
Current Price: $60.84
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BULLISH

MA(9): $63.35

MA(20): $63.19

Current Price is 60.84, 9 day MA 63.35, 20 day MA 63.19

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BEARISH

MACD: -0.4207

Signal: -0.2174

Days since crossover: 2

MACD crossed the line 2 days ago and is in a bearish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 38.43

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 38.43 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 6,985

Avg (20d): 226,737

Ratio: 0.03

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

OVERSOLD

%K: 4.12

%D: 8.69

Stochastic %K: 4.12, %D: 8.69. Signal: oversold

ADX (14)

NO TREND

ADX: 11.39

+DI: 17.15

-DI: 27.1

ADX: 11.39 (+DI: 17.15, -DI: 27.1). Trend: no trend

Williams %R (14)

OVERSOLD

Value: -95.88

Williams %R: -95.88 (oversold)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

BELOW MIDDLE

Upper: 65.57

Middle: 63.19

Lower: 60.8

Price vs BBands (20, 2): below middle. Upper: 65.57, Middle: 63.19, Lower: 60.8

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Crude Production (Thousand Barrels a Day) 13505.0 13501.0 13200.0 12733.33
Crude Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5833.0 6495.0 6456.0 6263.33
Crude Exports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 3751.0 4484.0 3897.0 4461.67
Refinery Inputs (Thousand Barrels a Day) 16168.0 16476.0 16353.0 15751.33
Net Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 2082.0 2011.0 2559.0 1801.67
Commercial Crude Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 416546.0 414754.0 413042.0 420065.67
Crude & Products Total Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 1695087.0 1687905.0 1649879.0 1636650.33
Gasoline Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 220694.0 216569.0 220083.0 218548.67
Distillate Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 123577.0 122999.0 122921.0 117116.0

International Price Analysis

International Price Summary

Brent crude (NOV 25) settled at $67.04, change $+0.02. WTI crude (NOV 25) settled at $61.78, change $-0.59. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $5.26 (Brent premium of $5.26). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.

Brent Crude

$67.04
0.02
(NOV 25)

WTI Crude

$61.78
0.59
(NOV 25)

Brent-WTI Spread

$5.26
Brent premium of $5.26

OPEC Analysis

OPEC Market Analysis

Executive Summary:

The current OPEC market situation reflects a slight decline in crude oil prices, with the OPEC Reference Basket averaging $69.73/b in August. Despite this, the market fundamentals remain solid, supported by stable global economic growth and a consistent demand forecast for oil, particularly in non-OECD regions.

Key Market Metrics:

Category Production (mb/d) Demand (mb/d)
World Production Americas: 25.19
Europe: 13.51
Asia Pacific: 7.13
Total OECD: 45.83
China: 16.85
India: 5.70
Other Asia: 9.89
Latin America: 6.89
Middle East: 9.01
Africa: 4.80
Russia: 4.02
Other Eurasia: 1.31
Other Europe: 0.82
Total Non-OECD: 59.31
Americas Demand: 25.19
Europe Demand: 13.51
Asia Pacific Demand: 7.13
Total OECD Demand: 45.83
China Demand: 16.85
India Demand: 5.70
Other Asia Demand: 9.89
Latin America Demand: 6.89
Middle East Demand: 9.01
Africa Demand: 4.80
Russia Demand: 4.02
Other Eurasia Demand: 1.31
Other Europe Demand: 0.82
Total World Demand: 105.14

Supply-Demand Balance Analysis:

The analysis indicates a balanced supply-demand scenario for 2025, with total world production at approximately 105.14 mb/d, matching the demand forecast. This equilibrium suggests no significant surplus or deficit, which is favorable for price stability in the near term.

Production Landscape:

In August, OPEC's crude oil production increased by 509 tb/d, averaging about 42.40 mb/d. Major contributors to production include the US, Brazil, and Canada, which are expected to drive non-DoC liquids production growth. The production landscape shows a steady output from key regions, particularly the Americas and the Middle East.

Demand Patterns:

Global oil demand is projected to grow by 1.3 mb/d in 2025, with significant contributions from non-OECD countries, particularly China and India. The OECD region is expected to see modest growth, indicating a shift in demand dynamics towards emerging markets.

Non-DoC vs DoC Analysis:

Non-DoC production is forecasted to grow by 0.8 mb/d in 2025, led by the US and Brazil, while DoC production is expected to increase by 0.1 mb/d. This highlights the contrasting growth trajectories between OPEC and non-OPEC producers, with Non-DoC countries significantly contributing to global supply growth.

OPEC's Strategic Position:

OPEC's current market position remains strong, supported by solid production levels and stable demand forecasts. The organization is likely to continue its cautious approach to production adjustments, focusing on maintaining market balance amidst fluctuating global economic conditions.

Forward-Looking Indicators:

Looking ahead, the market is expected to experience stable prices with gradual demand growth, particularly in non-OECD regions. Continued investment in production capacity by non-DoC countries may challenge OPEC's market share, necessitating strategic responses from the organization.

Key Insights and Recommendations:

  • Monitor the growth of non-OECD demand, particularly in Asia, as it presents opportunities for OPEC.
  • Evaluate the impact of Non-DoC production increases on global oil prices and market share.
  • Consider strategic production adjustments to maintain price stability in response to market fluctuations.
  • Enhance collaboration with key non-OECD producers to ensure balanced market conditions.
  • Stay vigilant on geopolitical developments that may affect oil supply and demand dynamics.

CFTC CoT Analysis

Sentiment: Bullish but Weakening
Positioning: Normal Range
Report Date: 2025-09-23

Managed Money

26,483
Change: -10,316
1.4% of OI

Producer/Merchant

283,712
Change: -9,029
14.6% of OI

Swap Dealers

-402,312
Change: +5,178
-20.8% of OI

Open Interest

1,936,690
Change: -25,930

Summary Analysis:

CFTC Commitment of Traders Report (Disaggregated) as of 2025-09-23

Crude Oil Positioning (WTI-PHYSICAL - NYMEX):

Open Interest: 1,936,690 contracts (-25,930)

Managed Money Net Position: 26,483 contracts (1.4% of OI)

Weekly Change in Managed Money Net: -10,316 contracts

Producer/Merchant Net Position: 283,712 contracts

Swap Dealer Net Position: -402,312 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.

News Analysis

Market Sentiment Overview

BEARISH
Average Polarity: -0.85
Confidence: 1.0
Articles Analyzed: 64
Last Updated: 2025-10-02 23:52:16

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

-0.85

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: Stable/lower rates may support demand
Risk Sentiment: Low market volatility/risk appetite

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

97.89
Daily: 0.18 (0.19%)
Weekly: -0.26 (-0.26%)

US_10Y

4.09
Daily: -0.02 (-0.44%)
Weekly: -0.1 (-2.36%)

SP500

6715.35
Daily: 4.15 (0.06%)
Weekly: 71.65 (1.08%)

VIX

16.63
Daily: 0.34 (2.09%)
Weekly: 1.34 (8.76%)

GOLD

3862.8
Daily: -4.7 (-0.12%)
Weekly: 87.5 (2.32%)

COPPER

4.96
Daily: 0.13 (2.71%)
Weekly: 0.25 (5.22%)

Fibonacci Analysis

Current Price: $60.84
Closest Support: $60.6 0.39% below current price
Closest Resistance: $62.94 3.45% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $60.6 Support
0.236 $62.94 Resistance
0.382 $64.39
0.5 $65.56
0.618 $66.72
0.786 $68.39
1.0 $70.51

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $73.21
1.618 $76.63
2.0 $80.42
2.618 $86.54

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $60.48
Forecast Generated: 2025-10-02 23:52:18
Next Trading Day: UP 0.15%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2025-10-03 $60.57 $58.51 $62.64
2025-10-04 $60.72 $58.65 $62.78
2025-10-05 $60.81 $58.74 $62.87
2025-10-06 $60.88 $58.82 $62.95
2025-10-07 $60.93 $58.86 $62.99

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price increase of ~0.15% for the next trading day (2025-10-03), reaching $60.57.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2025-10-03 and 2025-10-07.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~6.8% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Bullish signal, moderate uncertainty.

AI Analysis

💹

For Energy Traders:

Current market conditions indicate a bearish sentiment, with a sentiment score of -0.850 reflecting concerns over supply and demand dynamics. The $67.04 for Brent and $61.78 for WTI suggest potential support levels around recent lows, while the $5.26 Brent-WTI spread indicates ongoing divergence in market dynamics, possibly influenced by geopolitical factors and transportation costs.

Traders should be cautious of volatility as hedge fund positions have turned net short, suggesting potential for further downward pressure. Monitoring key resistance levels may provide opportunities for short-term trades, especially if prices approach Fibonacci retracement levels.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

The current bearish market sentiment may necessitate a reevaluation of hedging strategies and production planning. With OECD commercial crude stocks at 1,317 mb, significantly below historical averages, producers should consider potential supply-demand imbalances that could affect pricing.

The increase in non-DoC liquids production, particularly from the US, Brazil, and Canada, could impact global supply dynamics. Producers may need to adjust output levels or enhance operational efficiencies to navigate inventory fluctuations and market sentiment affecting their operations.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Refineries/Transportation):

Consumers should prepare for potential input cost fluctuations as Brent and WTI prices remain under pressure. The recent $67.04 and $61.78 prices suggest that refining margins may be affected by the bearish sentiment in the market, particularly in regions where refining margins have already declined.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions and fluctuating inventories may pose supply reliability risks. It is advisable for consumers to consider procurement strategies that mitigate these risks, including potential hedging against price increases or securing long-term contracts where feasible.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The Crude Oil market is currently characterized by a bearish outlook driven by oversupply concerns, as indicated by the negative sentiment score of -0.850. Key factors include stable yet modest global oil demand growth forecasts and increasing production from non-OPEC countries, which may lead to further supply-demand imbalances.

Analysts should closely monitor the implications of the widening Brent-WTI spread and the positioning of managed money, which is currently in a normal range but weakening. This could signal a shift in market dynamics that warrants further investigation into potential market outlook shifts in the coming months.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.