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Oil Price - Nov 15

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 5:03 pm
by dan_s
Reuters reported this morning that OPEC members (including Iran & Iraq) are making diplomatic moves that increase the chances of an agreement to curb production will be announced November 30. As I pointed out at today's EPG luncheon, it is definitely in the best interest of all OPEC members to reduce exports. A 5% reduction in OPEC oil production could raise oil prices by 15% to 20% quickly. If they don't reach an agreement, the price of oil could dip below $40.

The front month NYMEX contract (December) is getting closer to the expiration date. Speculative traders tighten up their stop loss orders, so any move can trigger a lot of covering and send the price sharply higher. The January and February contracts also moved up more than $2.00/bbl, which is a very good sign.

OPEC members have been reporting higher production recently that does not quite match up with OECD inventory reports. They have a history of over-reporting production ahead of agreements to limit production in an effort to negotiate from a higher number. Lying is just part of the process in Middle Eastern negotiations.