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Commodities

Commodities: A Winter of Discontent for Energy

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Oil: Tighter oil markets open up to spillover from tight natural gas/power this winter. Citi analysts revise the oil prices outlook up from 4Q’21 due to higher demand, lost supply, gas-to-oil switching and price contagion this winter, bringing inventories even lower before stock builds after 2Q’22. Citi analysts revise 4Q’21 price up to US$85, with prices potentially at US$90 at times. However, high supply could see prices ease after winter.

 

Global natural gas prices took a breather after a record intraday jump of over 40% on Oct 6. However, current peaking of global energy prices is likely temporary, yet market confronts huge uncertainty. A cold December/January could linger through March, impacting prices, inflation, risking industrial shutdowns of energy intensive industries. Citi analysts expect shortages on supply chains (production, transport) may plague energy markets all winter, where prices could remain volatile.

 

Bulks and metals: Citi analysts upgrade the base case long-term copper price to US$9,000/t, based on the estimated price required to incentivize sufficient scrap to rebalance the market, reflecting an IPCC2-degree (Paris agreement) consistent path for decarbonization consumption. Though Citi’s base case long-term copper outlook is even stronger than previously thought, Citi analysts continue to be outright bearish in the near term. Specifically, prices may fall by more than 10% to US$8,200/t over the next 3-6 months.

 

Citi analysts upgrade their 0-3m zinc price target to US$3,700/t and 4Q’21 average price forecast to US$3,500/t (from US$3,000/t and US$2,900 before) owing to news of European smelter cuts which come incremental to an already tight physical market. Citi analysts revert to bullish on aluminum and bring the 0-3m target to US$3,500/t also on energy driven cost inflation/supply cuts, though they expect a looming demand shock and potential post winter declines in energy prices to eventually send aluminum prices lower to around US$3,000/t by year end.

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