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Brent crude briefly breaches $70 amid Iran attack threats

Posted on: Jun 13 2025

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Key points:

  • Crude oil markets remain caught in a tug-of-war between bullish short-term and bearish medium-term developments.
  • The latest surge saw Brent briefly trade above USD 70 and was triggered by Iranian threats to strike American bases in the Middle East.
  • Overall, we believe a price above USD 70 Brent is unlikely to be sustained into the autumn months once we go past the peak summer demand season.
  • However, with a renewed risk of a Middle East disruption hanging over the market, fundamental driven short-selling appetite is likely to remain muted for now.

Crude oil markets remain caught in a tug-of-war between bullish near-term demand and rising geopolitical risks on one hand, and macroeconomic headwinds and rising OPEC+ production on the other. In the last hours, Brent crude briefly traded above USD 70 and touched highs last seen in April before drifting lower, as traders continue to digest a mix of conflicting drivers.

On the bullish side, seasonal summer demand continues to tighten supplies. With peak travel and air conditioning usage underway, refiners are scrambling to meet surging gasoline and diesel demand, supporting near-term pricing. In their weekly crude and fuel stock report, the US Energy Information Administration reported a bigger-than-expected drop in crude oil inventories, not least due to refineries nationwide processing the most crude since December 2019 in order to meet summer demand

However, this short-term tightness is increasingly expected to be offset by rising OPEC+ output into the autumn months, as a group of eight OPEC+ members aggressively restores production in an effort to reclaim market share, and a so far unsuccessful attempt to penalise above-quota producers amid current price strength. The added barrels should, over time, temper price gains while raising concerns about a potential oversupply if demand growth stalls.

Source: Bloomberg - Crude oil forward price curves show current market tightness amid peak summer demand being followed by loosening conditions toward year-end, driven by OPEC+ production hikes

Further complicating the picture are economic uncertainties tied to current global trade tensions. The latest wave of tariff threats, despite the prospect of a trade truce reset between the US and China, has rekindled fears of slower global growth, which could weigh on long-term oil demand expectations. In addition, President Trump told journalists that the US, within weeks, will be sending letters to its trading partners in which they will set their terms.

Geopolitics, as always, remains a key wildcard that in recent years has rocked prices on several occasions, especially when we are dealing with developments that may disrupt the safe passage and distribution of crude oil and fuel products. The latest surge in Brent above a recent level of resistance around USD 68.50 was triggered by Iranian threats to strike American bases in the Middle East if the nuclear talks collapse and the country is attacked.

 

Brent crude oil futures, first month cont. - Source: SaxoTraderGO

The US ordered some staff to depart its embassy in Baghdad due to heightened security risks, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a rare warning to mariners that higher tensions could affect shipping, including the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoint that sees more than 20 million barrels of crude pass through daily. Even a brief disruption there could trigger a sharp price spike, with some analysts warning of a potential move toward USD 100 per barrel in a worst-case scenario. 

Israel/Iran conflict remains a volatile undercurrent in the oil market

In addition, the risk of a full-blown war between Israel and Iran remains a persistent and increasingly volatile undercurrent in the oil market. While not an immediate base-case scenario, it is a geopolitical risk the market cannot afford to fully discount. Tensions have steadily escalated over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Israel along with the U.S. have long maintained that they will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon—a red line that may drive Israel toward unilateral military action if diplomacy fails.

This risk is further amplified by Israel’s current political climate, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces growing domestic pressure and may see a decisive foreign policy move—such as a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities—as a way to shift the political narrative or consolidate support. On the other side, Iran has vowed to retaliate forcefully if its nuclear infrastructure is attacked, potentially targeting US or Israeli assets directly or through its regional proxy networks.

As markets continue to navigate this web of opposing pressures, volatility remains elevated, and traders will be closely watching diplomatic developments, demand signals, and the next steps from OPEC+ for clearer direction. Overall, its our opinion that a price above USD 70 Brent is unlikely to be sustained into the autumn months once we go past the peak summer demand season, and OPEC+ production increases are being felt, however with the risk of a Middle East disruption once again hanging over the market, fundamental driven short-selling appetite is likely to remain muted for now.

Key takeaways from weekly EIA report

EIA's weekly update showed a surprise 3.64 million barrels reduction in crude stockpiles, while gasoline and distillate stocks both rose with refineries processing the most crude since December 2019 to meet summer demand, leading to a drop in exports to an April low at 3.3 million barrels per day. Some concerns about demand arose after implied gasoline demand on a four-week averaged basis stayed at a five-year seasonal low, while distillates, like diesel demand (apart from 2020) fell to an all-time seasonal low.
From EIA's weekly crude and fuel stock report
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Ole HansenHead of Commodity StrategySaxo Bank
Topics: Commodities Inflation Federal Reserve ETF Trump Version 2 - Traders Crude Oil Gas Oil Heating Oil Oil and Gas Oil OPEC China USA
World indices overview: news from US 30, US 500, US Tech, JP 225, and DE 40 for 5 June 2025

Posted on: Jun 06 2025

The US administration increased tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50%. At the same time, investment in AI reached record highs. Find out more in our analysis and forecast for 5 June 2025.

US indices forecast: US 30, US 500, US Tech

  • Recent data: the S&P US composite PMI came out at 53 in May
  • Market impact: rising PMI may indicate stable economic growth, supporting corporate profits

Fundamental analysis

Robust S&P composite PMI data could reinforce the view that the Federal Reserve will not rush to cut rates, which may restrain stock growth in the short term, especially in rate-sensitive tech stocks. As the economy recovers, industrials, financials, and energy shares could gain.

With AI sector expansion and technology adoption, spending on computer equipment in Q1 2025 made the largest-ever contribution to US GDP on record. The decision to increase tariffs on steel and aluminium also boosted metals sector stocks.

US 30 technical analysis

The US 30 index broke above the 42,590.0 resistance level, with the support line shifting to 41,810.0. The US 30 outlook remains unstable, marking the third directional shift. Despite technical signs of an emerging uptrend, the likelihood of moving into a sideways consolidation phase remains high.

The following scenarios are considered for the US 30 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic US 30 forecast: a breakout below the 41,810.0 support level could push the index to 40,215.0
  • Optimistic US 30 forecast: a breakout above the 42,590.0 resistance level could drive the index to 43,890.0
US 30 technical analysis

US 500 technical analysis

The US 500 index continues to rise, with the support level shifting to 5,845.0 and resistance at 5,985.0. The price is attempting to break above the current resistance level.

The following scenarios are considered for the US 500 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic US 500 forecast: a breakout below the 5,845.0 support level could send the index down to 5,585.0
  • Optimistic US 500 forecast: a breakout above the 5,985.0 resistance level could propel the index to 6,085.0
US 500 technical analysis

US Tech technical analysis

The US Tech index broke above the 21,435.0 resistance level, with a new one yet to form. The support level has shifted to 21,020.0, while the resistance line is located at 21,435.0. If prices consolidate above this level, a stable medium-term uptrend will likely form.

The following scenarios are considered for the US Tech price forecast:

  • Pessimistic US Tech forecast: a breakout below the 21,020.0 support level could push the index down to 20,250.0
  • Optimistic US Tech forecast: if the price consolidates above the previously breached resistance level at 21,435.0, the index could climb to 22,230.0
US Tech technical analysis

Asian index forecast: JP 225

  • Recent data: au Jibun Bank Japan PMI for May came in at 51.0
  • Market impact: investors may react moderately positively, especially in sectors focused on domestic demand and services

Fundamental analysis

Despite a slowdown in PMI growth compared to the previous month, activity remains above the 50 threshold, indicating continued economic recovery. Slower growth may raise expectations that the Bank of Japan will take additional stimulus measures, which could support the equity market.

However, the lack of growth acceleration may dampen investor optimism. If the slowdown continues, it could trigger a correction in shares of companies sensitive to domestic consumer demand and economic activity.

JP 225 technical analysis

The JP 225 index is rebounding from the 36,590.0 support level, heading towards resistance at 38,765.0. A breakout above this level will confirm the continuation of the medium-term uptrend. Currently, there are no signs of a trend reversal.

The following scenarios are considered for the JP 225 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic JP 225 forecast: a breakout below the 36,590.0 support level could push the index down to 33,820.0
  • Optimistic JP 225 forecast: a breakout above the 38,765.0 resistance level could drive the index to 39,625.0
JP 225 technical analysis

European index forecast: DE 40

  • Recent data: Germany’s manufacturing PMI for May was 48.3
  • Market impact: this is a negative factor for the stock market, particularly for engineering, automotive, and export companies

Fundamental analysis

Germany’s manufacturing PMI for May 2025 came in at 48.3, below the forecast of 48.8 and the previous reading of 48.4. This increases investor concerns as the index has long remained below the critical 50 level that separates expansion from contraction in business activity.

The updated PMI data confirms a slowdown in Germany’s manufacturing sector. Investors should exercise caution as pressure on the German equity market may continue, especially in traditional sectors like heavy industry, exporters, and automotive.

DE 40 technical analysis

The DE 40 index has formed key levels, with resistance at 24,305.0 and support around 23,270.0. The current market dynamics indicate a stable uptrend, increasing the likelihood of new all-time highs.

The following scenarios are considered for the DE 40 price forecast:

  • Pessimistic DE 40 forecast: a breakout below the 23,270.0 support level could send the index down to 22,245.0
  • Optimistic DE 40 forecast: a breakout above the 24,305.0 resistance level could propel the index to 24,855.0
DE 40 technical analysis

Summary

The US 30 broke above the resistance level and reversed the emerging downtrend. Japan’s JP 225 is advancing towards its current resistance level. The US 500 and US Tech indices continue to trade in an uptrend, with Germany’s DE 40 aiming for another all-time high. Investor focus will turn to upcoming US labour market data, which will serve as the main economic indicator following the recent GDP report. In case of mixed results, the interpretation by the Federal Reserve will regain importance.