Crude Oil Radar

2025-10-23 23:49

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 10/23/2025 Focus: Crude Oil
While India-US potential trade deal undermining Russian exports (which is seen as a supply hit - thus bullish), I remain skeptical that this would really impact the TRUE supply-demand balance. I think this would likely have more impact to Russian income as Russia would likely sell distressed barrels to an intermediary and that intermediary then sells to consumer markets. $61.64 and $57.35 are going to be the range - if bulls take out 61.64 then we see expansion to 63.80 (at a minimum) however I see it more likely as a dip to 57.35 and then 53.87 - that is the likely path I am seeing.

Today's Update

Updated: 2025-10-23 23:46:26 Length: 548 chars
**Crude Oil Summary:** Crude oil markets are currently navigating through a complex landscape, with recent sanctions on Russian energy driving prices up, yet skepticism lingers regarding the actual impact on supply-demand dynamics. Despite a bullish outlook from geopolitical tensions, traders eye key price levels: a breakout above $61.64 could push prices to $63.80, while a dip may lead to $57.35. Overall, expect volatility and potential technical corrections as the market responds to shifting fundamentals and external pressures. Stay sharp!

Market Summary

Technical Outlook

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

International Prices

Brent: $62.59 $1.27
WTI: $58.5 $1.26
Spread: $4.09 (Brent premium of $4.09)

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: $61.43
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BEARISH

MA(9): $58.53

MA(20): $60.39

Current Price is 61.43, 9 day MA 58.53, 20 day MA 60.39

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BULLISH

MACD: -1.1907

Signal: -1.2629

Days since crossover: 1

MACD crossed the line 1 days ago and is in a bullish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 53.35

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 53.35 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 13,928

Avg (20d): 247,398

Ratio: 0.06

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

BULLISH CROSS

%K: 77.32

%D: 44.14

Stochastic %K: 77.32, %D: 44.14. Signal: bullish cross

ADX (14)

STRONG DOWNTREND

ADX: 25.82

+DI: 23.01

-DI: 25.14

ADX: 25.82 (+DI: 23.01, -DI: 25.14). Trend: strong downtrend

Williams %R (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: -22.68

Williams %R: -22.68 (neutral zone)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

ABOVE MIDDLE

Upper: 64.86

Middle: 60.39

Lower: 55.92

Price vs BBands (20, 2): above middle. Upper: 64.86, Middle: 60.39, Lower: 55.92

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Crude Production (Thousand Barrels a Day) 13629.0 13636.0 13500.0 12900.0
Crude Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 5918.0 5525.0 5529.0 6208.0
Crude Exports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 4203.0 4466.0 4123.0 4691.33
Refinery Inputs (Thousand Barrels a Day) 15730.0 15130.0 15755.0 15569.67
Net Imports (Thousand Barrels a Day) 1715.0 1059.0 1406.0 1516.67
Commercial Crude Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 422824.0 423785.0 420550.0 429029.67
Crude & Products Total Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 1693212.0 1696565.0 1635840.0 1628639.67
Gasoline Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 216679.0 218826.0 212697.0 214974.0
Distillate Stocks (Thousand Barrels) 115551.0 117030.0 114979.0 110761.0

International Price Analysis

International Price Summary

Brent crude (DEC 25) settled at $62.59, change $+1.27. WTI crude (DEC 25) settled at $58.5, change $+1.26. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $4.09 (Brent premium of $4.09). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.

Brent Crude

$62.59
1.27
(DEC 25)

WTI Crude

$58.5
1.26
(DEC 25)

Brent-WTI Spread

$4.09
Brent premium of $4.09

OPEC Analysis

OPEC Market Analysis

Executive Summary:

The OPEC market is currently experiencing a stable production environment, with a slight increase in crude oil production from DoC countries. Global oil demand is projected to grow steadily, particularly in non-OECD regions, indicating a balanced yet cautious outlook for the oil market in the coming months.

Key Market Metrics:

Category Production (mb/d) Demand (mb/d)
World Production 105.135 105.135
Non-DoC Production 51.439 59.307
DoC Production 43.05 42.5

Supply-Demand Balance Analysis:

The current supply-demand balance indicates a slight surplus in the market, with total world production at 105.135 mb/d against a demand of 105.135 mb/d. However, the demand for DoC crude remains stable at 42.5 mb/d, suggesting that while overall balance is maintained, there may be localized deficits or surpluses depending on specific regions and product types.

Production Landscape:

In 2025, the major contributors to global oil production include the US, Brazil, Canada, and Argentina, particularly in the Non-DoC category. The DoC countries have seen a month-on-month increase in production, averaging 43.05 mb/d, indicating a robust compliance with production agreements.

Demand Patterns:

Global oil demand is projected to grow by approximately 1.3 mb/d in 2025, with significant contributions from non-OECD countries, particularly in Asia. China and India are leading this demand growth, with respective demands of 16.853 mb/d and 5.704 mb/d. The OECD regions are expected to see minimal growth, highlighting a shift in consumption patterns towards emerging markets.

Non-DoC vs DoC Analysis:

Non-DoC production is forecasted at 51.439 mb/d, significantly higher than DoC production at 43.05 mb/d. This disparity highlights the increasing role of non-OPEC producers in the global oil supply, as they continue to expand their output capabilities, particularly in North America and Brazil.

OPEC's Strategic Position:

OPEC's current market position reflects a cautious optimism, with stable production levels and a commitment to maintaining market balance. The organization is likely to continue its strategic focus on managing supply through the DoC, while monitoring the growth in non-OECD demand closely.

Forward-Looking Indicators:

As global economic growth remains steady, OPEC can expect continued demand growth, particularly from non-OECD countries. However, potential challenges may arise from geopolitical tensions and shifts in energy policies in major consuming nations, which could impact future demand and pricing strategies.

Key Insights and Recommendations:

  • Monitor the production levels of both DoC and Non-DoC countries to assess market balance.
  • Focus on the growing demand in non-OECD regions, particularly in Asia, as a key driver for future strategies.
  • Stay vigilant regarding geopolitical developments that may disrupt supply chains or alter demand patterns.
  • Consider adjusting production strategies in response to fluctuations in global economic growth forecasts.
  • Enhance collaboration among OPEC members to ensure compliance with production agreements and market stability.

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: 77
Last Updated: 2025-10-23 23:48:59

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

-0.6

Top News Topics

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

99.01
Daily: 0.11 (0.12%)
Weekly: 0.58 (0.59%)

US_10Y

3.99
Daily: 0.04 (0.96%)
Weekly: -0.02 (-0.4%)

SP500

6738.44
Daily: 39.04 (0.58%)
Weekly: 74.43 (1.12%)

VIX

17.3
Daily: -1.3 (-6.99%)
Weekly: -3.48 (-16.75%)

GOLD

4128.5
Daily: 84.1 (2.08%)
Weekly: -61.4 (-1.47%)

COPPER

5.11
Daily: 0.15 (2.94%)
Weekly: 0.18 (3.56%)

Fibonacci Analysis

Current Price: $61.43
Closest Support: $59.67 2.87% below current price
Closest Resistance: $61.72 0.47% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $56.35
0.236 $59.67 Support
0.382 $61.72 Resistance
0.5 $63.38
0.618 $65.04
0.786 $67.4
1.0 $70.41

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $74.23
1.618 $79.1
2.0 $84.47
2.618 $93.16

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $61.79
Forecast Generated: 2025-10-23 23:49:02
Next Trading Day: UP 0.02%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2025-10-24 $61.8 $59.52 $64.08
2025-10-25 $61.84 $59.57 $64.12
2025-10-26 $61.73 $59.45 $64.01
2025-10-27 $61.46 $59.18 $63.74
2025-10-28 $61.24 $58.96 $63.51

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price increase of ~0.02% for the next trading day (2025-10-24), reaching $61.80.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2025-10-24 and 2025-10-28.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~7.4% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Bullish signal, moderate uncertainty.

AI Analysis

💹

For Energy Traders:

The Crude Oil market presents a bearish sentiment with a sentiment score of -0.600. The $70.39 average OPEC Reference Basket price suggests a support level around this mark, while the $4.09 Brent-WTI spread indicates ongoing price divergence, reflecting geopolitical tensions and differing supply/demand dynamics.

Traders should monitor the resistance levels near $67.58 for Brent and $63.53 for WTI, as these may act as price ceilings in the short term. The current backwardation in the forward curve suggests potential volatility, with opportunities arising from fluctuations in the market driven by supply signals and CFTC positioning, which remains net short for many traders.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

Producers should consider the implications of inventory levels, with OECD crude stocks at 1,316 mb, indicating a bearish trend compared to historical averages. The hedging strategies should be revisited, particularly in light of the $70.39 average OPEC price and ongoing production increases from non-DoC countries.

With a forecasted demand for DoC crude rising to 42.5 mb/d in 2025, producers may find opportunities in adjusting production schedules to align with demand shifts, especially in non-OECD regions. The bearish sentiment from market positioning suggests caution in expanding production without securing favorable pricing through hedges.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Refineries/Transportation):

Consumers should prepare for potential input cost fluctuations as the current market sentiment remains bearish. The $63.53 WTI price and $67.58 Brent price indicate that procurement strategies should factor in these variances, especially with the tightening supply dynamics.

Additionally, geopolitical risks highlighted by recent sanctions and the need for reliable supply sources should prompt consumers to consider diversifying their procurement strategies. With US crude imports stabilizing at 6.1 mb/d, maintaining flexibility in contracts and securing long-term agreements may mitigate risks associated with supply disruptions.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The Crude Oil market is currently characterized by a bearish sentiment, driven by a combination of fundamental supply/demand dynamics, technical positioning, and news sentiment. The average OPEC price of $70.39 reflects a mixed outlook, with geopolitical factors influencing price movements.

Analysts should closely monitor the ML forecasts and CFTC positioning data, which indicate a net short stance among managed money traders, suggesting potential volatility ahead. The ongoing strength in the $4.09