Crude Oil Radar

2025-10-18 23:49

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 10/18/2025 Focus: Crude Oil
Crude keeps sliding as oversupply fears crush last week’s geopolitical premium. WTI closed at $57.46 (−1.4%) and Brent at $61.06 (−1.4%), extending a three-day sell-off. Big inventory builds (+3.5 MM bbl), record U.S. output (13.64 MM bpd), and talk of a Trump-Putin meeting all weighed on sentiment. India’s walk-back on halting Russian oil and Iraq’s export restart added more barrels to an already heavy market. Crude finally reached the target we laid out in the beginning of the week at 57.35 and I think the path is set to head to 53.87 next - although there could be support at this level. The weekly petroleum status report was really bearish - especially with net imports masking potentially how bearish we could be right now. On the bull side we did have a bigger draw on distillates. Looking for a pause at 57.35 and a target of 53.87.

Today's Update

Updated: 2025-10-18 23:46:32 Length: 518 chars
Crude oil prices continue to decline, with WTI at $57.46 and Brent at $61.06, marking a three-day sell-off influenced by oversupply fears. A significant inventory build of +3.5 MM bbl and record U.S. output (13.64 MM bpd) have pressured the market. Recent geopolitical discussions, including a potential Trump-Putin meeting, added uncertainty. Despite bearish signals, a notable draw on distillates provides a glimmer of hope. Watch for support around $57.35 as the market navigates toward potential targets of $53.87.

Market Summary

Technical Outlook

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

International Prices

Brent: $61.29 $0.23
WTI: $57.54 $0.08
Spread: $3.75 (Brent premium of $3.75)

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: $57.54
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BEARISH

MA(9): $59.57

MA(20): $61.43

Current Price is 57.54, 9 day MA 59.57, 20 day MA 61.43

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BEARISH

MACD: -1.486

Signal: -1.0445

Days since crossover: 13

MACD crossed the line 13 days ago and is in a bearish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 32.52

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 32.52 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 203,866

Avg (20d): 262,948

Ratio: 0.78

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

OVERSOLD

%K: 14.11

%D: 7.77

Stochastic %K: 14.11, %D: 7.77. Signal: oversold

ADX (14)

WEAK TREND

ADX: 24.13

+DI: 11.18

-DI: 35.7

ADX: 24.13 (+DI: 11.18, -DI: 35.7). Trend: weak trend

Williams %R (14)

OVERSOLD

Value: -85.89

Williams %R: -85.89 (oversold)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

BELOW MIDDLE

Upper: 66.23

Middle: 61.43

Lower: 56.63

Price vs BBands (20, 2): below middle. Upper: 66.23, Middle: 61.43, Lower: 56.63

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Crude Production (Thousand Barrels a Day) 13636.0 13629.0 13400.0 12900.0
Crude Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5525.0 6403.0 6239.0 5793.0
Crude Exports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 4466.0 3590.0 3794.0 4520.67
Refinery Inputs (Thousand Barrels a Day) 15130.0 16297.0 15590.0 15567.0
Net Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 1059.0 2813.0 2445.0 1272.33
Commercial Crude Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 423785.0 420261.0 422741.0 425885.0
Crude & Products Total Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 1696565.0 1694142.0 1641911.0 1628273.33
Gasoline Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 218826.0 219093.0 214898.0 215122.0
Distillate Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 117030.0 121559.0 118513.0 111646.33

International Price Analysis

International Price Summary

Brent crude (DEC 25) settled at $61.29, change $+0.23. WTI crude (NOV 25) settled at $57.54, change $+0.08. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $3.75 (Brent premium of $3.75). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.

Brent Crude

$61.29
0.23
(DEC 25)

WTI Crude

$57.54
0.08
(NOV 25)

Brent-WTI Spread

$3.75
Brent premium of $3.75

OPEC Analysis

OPEC Market Analysis

Executive Summary:

The current OPEC market situation reflects a steady increase in crude oil prices, with the OPEC Reference Basket averaging $70.39/b in September. Global oil demand is projected to grow by 1.3 mb/d in 2025, while production from non-DoC countries is expected to rise, indicating a tightening supply-demand balance in the near term.

Key Market Metrics:

Category Value (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
World Demand
  • 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 Non-OECD Demand: 59.31
  • Total World Demand: 105.14
Non-DoC Production
  • US Non-DoC Production: 22.07
  • Canada Non-DoC Production: 6.06
  • Chile Non-DoC Production: 0.01
  • Total OECD Non-DoC Production: 32.14
  • China Non-DoC Production: 4.61
  • India Non-DoC Production: 0.82
  • Latin America Non-DoC Production: 7.53
  • Middle East Non-DoC Production: 2.01
  • Africa Non-DoC Production: 2.28
  • Total Non-OECD Non-DoC Production: 19.30
DoC Production
  • DoC Crude Production: 43.05 (average for September)

Supply-Demand Balance Analysis:

The current supply-demand balance indicates a slight surplus in the market, with total world demand at 105.14 mb/d and total production (including DoC and Non-DoC) projected to be around 104.36 mb/d. This suggests a tightening market, particularly as demand for DoC crude is expected to rise to 42.5 mb/d in 2025, reflecting a potential deficit in the coming months if production does not keep pace with demand growth.

Production Landscape:

In 2025, the Americas remain the largest producer with 25.19 mb/d, followed by the Middle East at 9.01 mb/d. Notably, the US Non-DoC production is projected to be 22.07 mb/d, indicating its significant role in global supply. The production from DoC countries has increased to 43.05 mb/d, highlighting OPEC's influence in the market.

Demand Patterns:

Global oil demand is expected to grow by 1.3 mb/d in 2025, with the non-OECD regions, particularly China and India, driving this growth. The Americas and Europe are projected to see modest increases, but overall, the demand from non-OECD countries will dominate, reflecting a shift in consumption patterns towards emerging markets.

Non-DoC vs DoC Analysis:

Non-DoC production is projected at 51.44 mb/d, significantly higher than DoC production at 43.05 mb/d. This indicates that while OPEC countries are crucial to supply, non-OPEC producers, especially the US, play an increasingly dominant role in the global oil market. The growth in Non-DoC production is expected to continue, particularly from the US and Brazil.

OPEC's Strategic Position:

OPEC's current market position is strengthened by a stable increase in crude prices and a controlled production increase from its member countries. The organization is likely to maintain its production strategies to balance market dynamics, especially in light of growing demand from non-OECD countries.

Forward-Looking Indicators:

As demand continues to rise, particularly from Asia, and with the expected growth in Non-DoC production, OPEC may face challenges in maintaining its market share. However, the strategic management of production levels will be critical in navigating potential supply-demand imbalances in the coming months.

Key Insights and Recommendations:

  • Monitor the growth in Non-DoC production, particularly from the US and Brazil, as it may impact OPEC's market share.
  • Evaluate the implications of rising demand from non

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: -0.6
Confidence: 1.0
Articles Analyzed: 46
Last Updated: 2025-10-18 23:49:18

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

-0.6

Economic Analysis

Economic Sentiment Summary

NEUTRAL - Mixed economic signals
Dollar Impact: Weaker USD may support commodity prices
Industrial Demand: Weaker industrial demand signals
Interest Rate Impact: Stable/lower rates may support demand
Risk Sentiment: Moderate market volatility

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

98.43
Daily: 0.04 (0.04%)
Weekly: -0.84 (-0.85%)

US_10Y

4.01
Daily: 0.03 (0.78%)
Weekly: -0.04 (-1.09%)

SP500

6664.01
Daily: 34.94 (0.53%)
Weekly: 9.29 (0.14%)

VIX

20.78
Daily: -4.53 (-17.9%)
Weekly: 1.75 (9.2%)

GOLD

4189.9
Daily: -90.3 (-2.11%)
Weekly: 81.3 (1.98%)

COPPER

4.93
Daily: -0.03 (-0.53%)
Weekly: -0.17 (-3.31%)

Fibonacci Analysis

Current Price: $57.54
Closest Support: $56.6 1.63% below current price
Closest Resistance: $59.88 4.07% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $56.6 Support
0.236 $59.88 Resistance
0.382 $61.91
0.5 $63.56
0.618 $65.2
0.786 $67.53
1.0 $70.51

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $74.29
1.618 $79.11
2.0 $84.42
2.618 $93.02

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $57.54
Forecast Generated: 2025-10-18 23:49:20
Next Trading Day: UP 0.02%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2025-10-18 $57.55 $55.57 $59.54
2025-10-19 $57.64 $55.66 $59.63
2025-10-20 $57.72 $55.74 $59.7
2025-10-21 $57.76 $55.77 $59.74
2025-10-22 $57.75 $55.77 $59.74

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price increase of ~0.02% for the next trading day (2025-10-18), reaching $57.55.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2025-10-18 and 2025-10-22.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~6.9% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Bullish signal, moderate uncertainty.

AI Analysis

💹

For Energy Traders:

The recent bearish sentiment in the market, reflected by a sentiment score of -0.600, suggests potential downward pressure on prices. The $67.58 for ICE Brent and $63.53 for NYMEX WTI indicate a mixed outlook for crude oil prices. The $4.05 Brent-WTI spread indicates that while Brent remains in demand, WTI is under pressure, possibly due to U.S. supply dynamics.

Traders should watch for support levels around $63.00 for WTI and $66.00 for Brent. The resistance levels are near $70.00 for Brent and $65.00 for WTI. The flattening of forward curves indicates potential volatility in the near term, especially with hedge funds maintaining a net short position.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

The bearish market sentiment, coupled with a $63.53 average for WTI, suggests cautious production planning. The balance of supply and demand indicates stable growth in non-DoC liquids, but the impact of inventory levels—with OECD crude stocks down 10.4 mb m-o-m—should prompt producers to consider strategic hedging to mitigate price risks.

The risk factors include geopolitical uncertainties affecting market dynamics, particularly with OPEC's production adjustments. Producers should monitor refinery margins, which have improved due to seasonal trends, as this could influence demand for crude.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Refineries/Transportation):

With the current average prices of $67.58 for Brent and $63.53 for WTI, consumers should prepare for potential input cost fluctuations. The bearish sentiment in the market could lead to lower prices in the short term, but ongoing geopolitical tensions may disrupt supply reliability.

The considerations for procurement should include monitoring crude imports and exports, particularly as U.S. crude exports have hit a yearly high of 4.3 mb/d. The tightening of product markets, especially for middle distillates, indicates that consumers may face challenges in securing stable supply at favorable prices.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The Crude Oil market presents a bearish outlook driven by weak sentiment and mixed price movements. The fundamentals show stable global oil demand growth of 1.3 mb/d forecasted for 2025, yet the oversupply concerns and bearish positioning by speculators indicate potential downward pressure on prices.

Analysts should focus on the implications of the flattening forward curves and the $4.05 Brent-WTI spread, which reflects differing global supply-demand dynamics. The ML price predictions