Crude Oil Fundamental Forecast: Bullish
- Crude oil[1] futures backwardation suggests that prices may climb higher in the near term.
- Accelerating vaccination rates and a marked decline in global Covid-19 cases could underpin oil prices.
- The upcoming OPEC JMMC meeting will be keenly eyed by investors.
Futures Backwardation, Climbing Vaccination Rate Hints at Gains
The price of oil has remained resiliently poised above $52 a barrel as data points out of the US instilled an improved outlook for demand[2], with crude inventories falling 9.91M in the week ending January 22 versus forecasts for a 0.43M rise. At the same time, figures coming out of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed crude production narrowing to 10,900K after holding at 11,000K for five consecutive weeks.
These bullish supply-demand dynamics have seen the backwardation of the oil futures curve intensify in recent days. The spread between the March 2021 and March 2022 contracts has soared to its highest levels in over a year, which hints at strong-near term demand.
WTI Crude Oil Futures Curve
WTI futures curve daily chart created using Tradingview
Moreover, with coronavirus vaccination rates notably climbing, and the 7-day moving average tracking global cases falling by over 200,000 since peaking at 741,784 on January 12, there is a distinct possibility that nations around the world will be able to start rolling back restrictive measures in the coming months. This could pave the way for a marked recovery in overall mobility and would probably propel oil prices even higher.
Looking ahead, the upcoming OPEC Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) meeting will be keenly eyed by oil investors to determine the cartel’s approach to production in the near term. Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo insisted that the group “will continue
