Crude Oil Radar

2025-10-25 23:51

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 10/25/2025 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. After attempting the 61.6 breakout - the failure paints the picture more firm that a drop back to the 50s seems “in the cards” and I think 57.35 is the level next week.

Today's Update

Updated: 2025-10-25 23:47:30 Length: 550 chars
Crude oil markets are experiencing volatility amidst conflicting signals. The potential India-US trade deal could dampen Russian exports, yet skepticism remains on its true impact on supply-demand dynamics. Recent sanctions have temporarily buoyed prices, but momentum appears to be waning. Key support levels are around $57.35, with resistance at $61.64; a breakout beyond could lead to $63.80. Analysts suggest a retracement to the 50s is plausible. Watch for market reactions to geopolitical tensions and U.S. inflation data for further direction.

Market Summary

Technical Outlook

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

International Prices

Brent: $65.94 $0.05
WTI: $61.5 $0.29
Spread: $4.44 (Brent premium of $4.44)

Key Fundamentals

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

News Sentiment

BULLISH

Spec Positioning

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

Technical Analysis

Overall Technical Score (-5 to +5): -2 (Moderately Bearish)
Current Price: $61.5
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BEARISH

MA(9): $58.79

MA(20): $60.2

Current Price is 61.5, 9 day MA 58.79, 20 day MA 60.2

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BULLISH

MACD: -0.9128

Signal: -1.1883

Days since crossover: 2

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

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 53.36

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 53.36 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

HIGHER

Current: 735,186

Avg (20d): 305,971

Ratio: 2.4

Volume is higher versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

BULLISH CROSS

%K: 78.39

%D: 64.64

Stochastic %K: 78.39, %D: 64.64. Signal: bullish cross

ADX (14)

WEAK TREND

ADX: 23.91

+DI: 24.46

-DI: 23.36

ADX: 23.91 (+DI: 24.46, -DI: 23.36). Trend: weak trend

Williams %R (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: -21.61

Williams %R: -21.61 (neutral zone)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

ABOVE MIDDLE

Upper: 64.01

Middle: 60.2

Lower: 56.38

Price vs BBands (20, 2): above middle. Upper: 64.01, Middle: 60.2, Lower: 56.38

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 $65.94, change $-0.05. WTI crude (DEC 25) settled at $61.5, change $-0.29. The Brent-WTI spread is currently $4.44 (Brent premium of $4.44). The Brent-WTI spread reflects differences in global vs. U.S. supply/demand dynamics, geopolitics, and transportation costs.

Brent Crude

$65.94
0.05
(DEC 25)

WTI Crude

$61.5
0.29
(DEC 25)

Brent-WTI Spread

$4.44
Brent premium of $4.44

OPEC Analysis

OPEC Market Analysis

Executive Summary:

The current OPEC market situation reflects a stable economic growth trajectory globally, with oil demand forecasted to grow by approximately 1.3 mb/d in 2025. Production from OPEC member countries has increased, contributing to a balanced supply-demand scenario, although challenges remain in the non-OECD regions.

Key Market Metrics:

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

Supply-Demand Balance Analysis:

The supply-demand balance indicates that global oil demand is projected at 105.135 mb/d, which aligns closely with the total production levels. The DoC production of 43.05 mb/d meets a significant portion of this demand, leaving a small surplus that may buffer against potential market fluctuations.

Production Landscape:

Production by region shows that the Americas lead with 25.186 mb/d, followed by Europe at 13.509 mb/d and the Middle East at 9.014 mb/d. Notably, the US Non-DoC production is a significant contributor at 22.068 mb/d, indicating a robust production environment in North America.

Demand Patterns:

Demand is strongest in the Americas and China, with each region consuming approximately 25.186 mb/d and 16.853 mb/d respectively. The non-OECD regions, particularly India and other Asian countries, are projected to drive demand growth, highlighting potential challenges in meeting this rising demand.

Non-DoC vs DoC Analysis:

Non-DoC production stands at 51.439 mb/d, while DoC production is at 43.05 mb/d. This indicates that Non-DoC producers are contributing significantly to the global supply, which may create competitive pressures on OPEC's pricing strategies and market share.

OPEC's Strategic Position:

OPEC's current market position is strengthened by stable production levels and a favorable demand outlook. However, the organization must navigate the competitive landscape posed by Non-DoC producers and the potential for fluctuating global demand, particularly in emerging markets.

Forward-Looking Indicators:

As the global economy continues to grow, OPEC is likely to see increased demand for its crude oil. However, the organization should remain vigilant of production increases from Non-DoC countries, which could impact market dynamics and pricing strategies in the near future.

Key Insights and Recommendations:

  • Monitor Non-DoC production trends closely to adjust OPEC's output strategies accordingly.
  • Focus on maintaining a balance between production levels and global demand to avoid oversupply situations.
  • Enhance collaboration with member countries to optimize production efficiency and market positioning.
  • Invest in market intelligence to better anticipate shifts in global oil demand, especially in emerging economies.
  • Consider strategic pricing adjustments to remain competitive against Non-DoC producers.

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

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: Rising rates may impact energy demand
Risk Sentiment: Low market volatility/risk appetite

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

98.95
Daily: 0.01 (0.01%)
Weekly: 0.36 (0.37%)

US_10Y

4.0
Daily: 0.01 (0.15%)
Weekly: 0.01 (0.28%)

SP500

6791.69
Daily: 53.25 (0.79%)
Weekly: 56.56 (0.84%)

VIX

16.37
Daily: -0.93 (-5.38%)
Weekly: -1.86 (-10.2%)

GOLD

4118.4
Daily: -7.1 (-0.17%)
Weekly: -218.0 (-5.03%)

COPPER

5.09
Daily: 0.01 (0.23%)
Weekly: 0.1 (1.91%)

Fibonacci Analysis

Current Price: $61.5
Closest Support: $61.4 0.16% below current price
Closest Resistance: $62.97 2.39% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $56.35
0.236 $59.47
0.382 $61.4 Support
0.5 $62.97 Resistance
0.618 $64.53
0.786 $66.75
1.0 $69.58

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $73.18
1.618 $77.76
2.0 $82.81
2.618 $90.99

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $61.5
Forecast Generated: 2025-10-25 23:50:34
Next Trading Day: UP 0.08%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2025-10-25 $61.55 $59.28 $63.81
2025-10-26 $61.45 $59.18 $63.72
2025-10-27 $61.16 $58.89 $63.43
2025-10-28 $60.98 $58.71 $63.25
2025-10-29 $60.99 $58.72 $63.26

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price increase of ~0.08% for the next trading day (2025-10-25), reaching $61.55.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2025-10-25 and 2025-10-29.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~7.4% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Bullish signal, moderate uncertainty.

AI Analysis

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For Energy Traders:

The recent bullish sentiment in the market, reflected by a sentiment score of +0.750, suggests potential upward price movements, particularly for $Brent and $WTI. However, the managed money net position indicates a bearish shift as traders are net short, which could lead to increased volatility.

The $Brent-WTI spread currently at $4.44 reflects ongoing supply/demand dynamics, with geopolitical issues influencing price differentials. Traders should monitor support levels around $63.00 for WTI and resistance around $70.00 for Brent, as these could indicate potential entry points for short-term trades.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

With global oil demand growth forecast unchanged at 1.3 mb/d for 2025, producers should align their production planning accordingly. The increase in $43.05 mb/d from OPEC countries indicates a need for strategic hedging to mitigate price volatility risks, especially with a bearish managed money positioning.

The decline in OECD crude inventories suggests tightening supply, which can affect market prices. Producers should consider this when planning their production levels and hedging strategies to protect against potential downturns in pricing.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Refineries/Transportation):

Consumers should prepare for potential input cost fluctuations as $WTI and $Brent prices show signs of volatility. The geopolitical tensions and fluctuating inventory levels may affect supply reliability, necessitating proactive procurement strategies.

With refinery margins increasing due to seasonal trends, refineries may experience higher costs for refined products. Monitoring $4.44 Brent-WTI spread will be crucial for understanding pricing dynamics in the procurement of crude oil.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The Crude Oil market remains influenced by a mix of bullish sentiment and bearish positioning among traders. The stable global economic growth forecast of 3.0% for 2025 supports a positive outlook for demand, while inventory levels suggest tightening supply.

Key driving factors include the managed money positioning, which indicates a potential market reversal if speculators shift their stance. Analysts should keep a close eye on geopolitical developments and their impact on $Brent and $WTI pricing dynamics to anticipate potential shifts in the market outlook.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or specific buy/sell recommendations.