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Commodities

Commodities: Flow-on Effects from Oil Supply Shock

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  • Oil: For much of 2019, oil markets have been caught in oil demand uncertainties related to US-China trade, with the slow down of trade growth and oil demand contributing to market concerns about lower prices over time. Disruption to Saudi Arabia oil facilities are a reminder of the region’s logistical vulnerabilities and increasing risks. While 2020 balances remain weighty, near-term oil inventories look set to move lower. Citi analysts see Brent and WTI averaging US$64/bbl and US$61/bbl respectively in 4Q.

 

  • Gold: Prices of precious metals, led by gold, have surged partly on risk-off appetite. Spot gold prices are expected to trade stronger for longer, and the yellow metal could do well as a hedge into the next downturn. Citi analysts have a 6-12 month point price of US$1,700/oz.

 

  • Base Metals: Industrial metals have rallied on US-China trade deal hopes and expectations of China easing. However an absence of concrete signs and likely weak demand growth could see aluminum prices falling modestly to average US$1,720/t in 4Q, before rising into 2020. For similar reasons, copper prices could range-trade but grind lower. However, elevated oil price could support prices in 4Q. Citi analysts have a 0-3 month point price target of US$5,700/t.

 

  • Bulks: Bulk commodities could receive limited support from an oil supply shock with iron ore trading above production costs, and demand for thermal coal being challenged by natural gas, prices of which may stay subdued if strong oil prices accelerate associated gas output. Iron ore demand could find support from persistent Chinese easing measures into 2020 and steady construction steel consumption.

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