OEF REVIEW:As oil prices continue to decline, North American exploration and production companies have hedged just 15 percent of their total production volumes for 2016, including 14 percent of oil and 18 percent of natural gas, leaving the companies largely exposed to current depressed market prices, according to new analysis from IHS (NYSE: IHS), the leading global source of critical information and insight.
OEF REVIEW:OPEC oil production has jumped to its highest in recent history in January as Iran increased sales following the lifting of sanctions and its rivals Saudi Arabia and Iraq also boosted supply, a Reuters survey showed on Friday. Rising output in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries further aggravates the market share battle between top global producers. In the past year this has flooded the market with new barrels, creating one of the worst oil gluts in history and helping send prices to a 12-year low.
OEF REVIEW:Though Syria itself is mostly irrelevant as a trading partner for China, the region’s stability is nevertheless one of Beijing’s core concerns, not only because Iraq is among its main oil suppliers. Beijing’s $900 billion Silk Road initiative aims to connect Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe through a wide-ranging infrastructure network. But ongoing fighting and terror attacks are putting this mega-project at risk.
OEF REVIEW:Given the current circumstances, the impact of China on global markets should not be underestimated. As the world’s largest oil importer, China is one of the countries that benefits the most from low oil prices. The decline in oil prices is generally good for China. But wild swings in oil prices, and a possible price rise in the future, could have a big negative impact on the country’s economy. One of the strategies to offset the impact of wild fluctuations in oil prices is to increase the country’s oil reserves.
