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On May 3, according to a report by Irans Fars News Agency on May 2, Sardar Asadi, a senior official at the Khatnam Anbia Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that the possibility of another conflict between Iran and the United States is high, but Iran is fully prepared. Asadi said there is evidence that the United States is not adhering to any agreements, and that the words and actions of US officials are more of a propaganda strategy to prevent a drop in oil prices and extricate themselves from "a predicament of their own making." Asadi stated that the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared for any "risky and foolish actions" that the United States may take.The chairmen of the U.S. Senate and House Armed Services Committees expressed deep concern over the U.S. decision to withdraw a brigade-sized force from Germany.On May 3, when asked when and how he would insure ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Berkshire Hathaways Vice Chairman for Insurance, Ajit Jain, gave a concise answer: "The short answer is—it depends on the price." Jain stated, "We do have a small stake in an established project to insure ships in the Strait of Hormuz. But no deals have been finalized yet." Jain also pointed out that U.S. Navy escort for the ships would be a key prerequisite for the projects coverage conditions. "If we can meet our own coverage conditions, we will insure this type of risk at a price level that we deem appropriate."On May 3, Qazem Gharibabadi, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of legal and international affairs, met with ambassadors from various countries stationed in Tehran on Saturday to discuss what he called Irans proposals to end the war and aggression launched by the US and Israel. Gharibabadi stated that Iran is fully prepared to defend itself against any attacks against its people, and that Tehran remains committed to diplomatic mediation based on national interests. He said that Iran has submitted a proposal through Pakistan as a mediator to permanently end this imposed war, and that the initiative now rests with the US, which must choose between a diplomatic path or a continued confrontational stance. He added that Iran is prepared for both scenarios to safeguard its national interests and security, while remaining pessimistic and distrustful of the US and its diplomatic sincerity.On May 3, local time, the Ukrainian presidential website announced that President Zelenskyy had signed a presidential decree approving the National Security and Defense Councils decision to impose targeted sanctions on five individuals. The sanctions were reportedly imposed because the actions of these individuals threatened Ukraines national interests, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The five individuals targeted are a Ukrainian lawyer, a Ukrainian businessman, a Russian businessman, and two Russian sports promoters.

WTI crude oil drifts above $80.00 amidst a US Dollar rebound and supply shortage concerns

Alina Haynes

Apr 10, 2023 14:16

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In the early hours of Monday, purchasers of WTI crude oil struggled to maintain the price above $80.70 as risk aversion and hawkish Fed forecasts bolstered the US Dollar. However, threats to Oil supplies, primarily emanating from China and OPEC+, appear to keep purchasers of black gold optimistic.

 

US Dollar Index (DXY) reverses a four-day downtrend near 102.25 despite the inability of US Treasury bond yields to recover due to recession concerns. However, US 10-year and 2-year Treasury bond yields remain under pressure near 3.37 percent and 3.95 percent, respectively. In doing so, the benchmark bond coupons extend the previous day's losses and illustrate the market's flight to protection in response to concerns of an economic decline.

 

In spite of this, the recent disappointing US data reignite concerns of a recession in the world's largest economy and challenge the optimists in the energy sector. However, the positive US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data enabled Fed hawks to return to the table and renew demands for a 0.25 percentage point rate hike in May. The same constrains the value of the US dollar and stimulates demand for WTI crude oil.

 

On the other hand, geopolitical concerns surrounding China, particularly after the dragon nation's military exercises near Taiwan, combine with last week's unexpected OPEC+ production cut to keep Oil purchasers optimistic.

 

China's willingness to defend the global economy through robust monetary and fiscal easing at home also enables Oil purchasers to maintain optimism in the face of optimism among the world's largest Oil consumers.

 

The Easter Monday holiday in spot markets may limit Oil price movements, but the investors appear to be out of steam, so US inflation and Fed Minutes will be closely monitored for signs of a pullback.