Investing.com - Crude oil's surprising this year has Wall Street rethinking its outlook.
Earlier this year, a Reuters poll of three dozen analysts and economists forecast an average Brent price of just under $60 a barrel.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is the latest firm to raise its price target, joining J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.
Crude oil has been trading at three-year highs this year, following a long-awaited rebound that began in mid-2017.
Goldman raised its near-term average price for Brent North Sea crude from $62 to $75 a barrel. The firm's 12-month target is up to $82.50.
JP Morgan's average price forecast for 2018 is $70 with a high of $78. Morgan Stanley's high is $75. BAML is forecasting $64 a barrel.
Oil prices have gained thanks to strong global demand, a weakening dollar, geopolitical risks and OPEC's continued adherence to a production ceiling.
Demand from China, now the world's largest importer of oil, has been stronger than expected, helping make previous predictions look conservative.
Oil Price Forecasts
Oil Price Forecasts
Dan Steffens
Energy Prospectus Group
Energy Prospectus Group