Brent: Lower prices tied to US-Iran talks – MUFG

MUFG’s Lee Hardman highlights a sharp adjustment lower in energy markets, with Brent down about 16% and still weakening. Renewed investor optimism over a potential US-Iran deal and increased diplomatic activity across the Middle East are supporting lower Oil prices. MUFG cautions that further progress in talks is needed to sustain cheaper energy and limit upward pressure on the US Dollar.

Energy slide linked to diplomacy

"The other main development last week was the sharp adjustment lower for energy prices. The price of Brent fell by around 16% and has continued to weaken further at the start of this week. Lower energy prices have been encouraged by renewed investor optimism over the potential for a US-Iran deal."

"Investor optimism has been encouraged further over the weekend by comments from President Trump who told CNN that it is “highly unlikely” he will need to order fresh military strikes on Iran if talks show progress. He noted that “it depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement."

"However, US Secretary of State Macro Rubio sounded more cautious saying that “I wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough”. Further progress in talks will be required to sustain lower energy prices and help to ease upward pressure on the US dollar from a more protected energy price shock."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Know more.)