Etikett: CRUD

Oil – Room to run lower

Oil - Room to run lower ETF Securities ETPOil – Room to run lower

Weekly Investment Insights Oil – Room to run lower

Highlights

  • Oil prices have made decisive moves lower over the past fortnight as burgeoning US production has dampened optimism around the OPEC accord.
  • Reports of increased output from Saudi Arabia and exempt nations Nigeria  and Libya have added to concerns that the production agreement is less robust than previously assumed.
  • Should key crude benchmarks break lower through nearby support levels we could see the complex return to pre-November levels.

Burgeoning U.S. output

After months of range trading, the oil complex has made a decisive move lower as growing US output has dampened optimism surrounding the impact of last year’s OPEC/non-OPEC production agreement on global supply. Last week’s release of US crude oil inventory data instigated the latest move, as stocks grew at four times the expected rate to reach a new peak of 528.4m barrels. Bearish indicators have been mounting against the oil price for some time as news flow from the US has increasingly pointed towards resurgence in shale output as a result of the more favourable $50-$55/bbl price range. Research reports from Barclays and Citi (Source: Financial Times) both detail a 27%-36% surge in capital spending this year by North American oil and gas companies. These estimates are corroborated by the growth in the widely observed US oil rig count, which has climbed 95% from its trough from 2016 (see Figure 1). Our view is that oil prices could still see some downside from current levels, as they sit some 8% above the range from before the November accord and the agreement itself appears increasingly fragile.

Intentional or Seasonal?

While Riyadh has repeatedly stated its commitment to stabilising the oil market, the latest monthly OPEC report suggests that matter may not be so simple. Overall, according to secondary sources, OPEC’s compliance with its stated target currently sits at 91% and has indeed largely been driven by Saudi’s commitment to the agreement. However, the report also shows that Saudi’s own sources recorded an increase in production last month to near 10m barrels per day (mbpd), closer to estimates from the International Energy Agency (IEA) of 9.98mbpd. The bounce suggests that the reductions in oil volume seen in recent months could actually be a result of more seasonal adjustments to output rather than a conscious effort to stabilise the oil market. If this is the case we could see output normalise further in coming months, posing an additional threat to the accord.

Furthermore both exempt nations, Libya and Nigeria, have increased output by a combined 193k bpd since December, a 9% increase. The resurgence of US shale is likely to have put significant strain on the continued compliance to the OPEC agreement beyond the June expiry date. Should the deal fall apart, we could see oil prices sink further.

Broken support levels could spur selling

Having fallen approximately 8% on average over the past week both crude oil benchmarks face significant support. Brent and WTI crude oil prices have been dragged lower to the highs that persisted until the OPEC accord was announced, at $51/bbl and $49/bbl respectively (which also happen to coincide with their respective 200 daily moving average). Prices failed to consistently penetrate these levels for 15 months before November so a break below at this stage could trigger selling pressure. In this scenario prices have potential to fall to the 50% retracement of the recent 14 month run higher at $46/bbl and $43/bbl respectively for Brent and WTI. An abrupt end to OPEC’s current deal could be the catalyst to trigger such a move.

Investors wishing to express the investment views outlined above may consider using the following ETF Securities ETPs:

Commodity ETPs

ETFS Brent Crude (BRNT)
ETFS WTI Crude Oil (CRUD)
ETFS Longer Dated Brent Crude (FBRT)
ETFS Longer Dated WTI Crude Oil (FCRU)

2x & -1x

ETFS 2x Daily Long Brent Crude (LBRT)
ETFS 2x Daily Long WTI Crude Oil (LOIL)
ETFS 1x Daily Short Brent Crude (SBRT)
ETFS 1x Daily Short WTI Crude Oil (SOIL)

3x

ETFS 3x Daily Long WTI Crude Oil (3CRL)
ETFS 3x Daily Short WTI Crude Oil (3CRS)

Currency Hedged ETPs

ETFS EUR Daily Hedged Brent Crude (EBRT)
ETFS EUR Daily Hedged WTI Crude Oil (ECRD)
ETFS GBP Daily Hedged Brent Crude (PBRT)
ETFS GBP Daily Hedged WTI Crude Oil (PCRD)

Important Information

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the ”FCA”).

This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.  No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek

Crude oil prices at risk

Crude oil prices at risk

Weekly Investment Insights: Crude oil prices at risk. In 2017, ETF Securities will be broadening its weekly FX insights to cover all asset classes including commodities, equities and fixed income. We hope you continue to find these updates useful

Highlights

  • The November oil accord is likely to do little in the face of strong Iraqi exports and growing US production.
  • Momentum underpinning oil prices is wavering and a downside correction is likely in the short term.
  • Beyond Q1-17, the fundamental outlook for oil is more positive as global demand marches higher.

ETF Securities Trade Idea – Commodities & Foreign Exchange – Crude oil prices at risk

Volatility abound

The OPEC/non-OPEC compliance and monitoring committee, charged with ensuring successful implementation of the November accord (which entailed a 1.2mbpd reduction in output), will meet for the first time this weekend as uncertainty continues to drive fluctuations in global oil markets. While statements professing compliance by key oil ministers in Saudi Arabia and Algeria have kept prices elevated (supported somewhat by reports of falling production in the latest monthly OPEC report), downside risks loom. Participants continue to be wary of whether Iraq will comply with the deal, as the nation has been asked to reduce production by the second largest amount (within OPEC) in spite of its challenging economic circumstances. Meanwhile, output and exports in the US continue to expand in the higher-price environment. Our view is that oil prices are likely to come under further pressure in the coming month as considerable downside risks overcome market optimism over the November agreement, which in itself is only expected to last until June.

Risks ahead

During last week’s Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi, senior cartel officials from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria all publically announced commitment to the November production agreement and some even stated a willingness to exceed requirements in order to see the deal work. While on the surface this appears very positive, the reality is that risks actually emanate from OPEC’s second largest producer, Iraq, where oil exports hit an unprecedented level in December. Therefore, the success of the landmark accord still remains in the balance and in any case, is only expected to be a feature of the oil market for a short six months. Also, with oil prices above the key $50/bbl level, US oil production is ramping up quickly (see Figure 1), with the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reporting that oil output has hit an eight month high. This creates a landscape where support for oil prices looks fragile and a downward correction looks likely.

Figure 1: US output grows

(Click to enlarge)

From a technical perspective, momentum indicators appear to be waning for crude benchmarks and point to moves lower in coming sessions. Speculative futures positioning for Brent and WTI crude oil has moderated in recent weeks but still remains at levels that suggest downward correction potential. Any move lower in oil prices is likely to face resistance from their 8th December lows of around $52.8/bbl and $50.9/bbl for Brent and WTI respectively, which sits near their current 50 dmas.

Prospects diverge

While the short-term outlook above is broadly negative for the oil-exporting currency complex (CAD and NOK), prospects are not uniform. The CAD has the benefit of 76% of its exports going to the US and accordingly is directly exposed to the improving growth outlook there. Meanwhile, Norway is still struggling through a structural transition away from oil industries while growth and inflation are moderating, painting a less positive picture for the NOK. Beyond Q1-17, we expect to continue to see the global oil market returning to a balanced state and offering further upside to crude prices.

Investors wishing to express the investment views outlined above may consider using the following ETF Securities ETPs:

Currency ETPs

EUR Base

ETFS Long CAD Short EUR (ECAD) ETFS Short CAD Long EUR (CADE) ETFS Long NOK Short EUR (EUNO) ETFS Short NOK Long EUR (NOEU)

GBP Base

ETFS Long CAD Short GBP (GBCA) ETFS Short CAD Long GBP (CAGB) ETFS Long NOK Short GBP (GBNO) ETFS Short NOK Long GBP (NOGB)

USD Base

ETFS Long CAD Short USD (LCAD) ETFS Short CAD Long USD (SCAD) ETFS Long NOK Short USD (LNOK) ETFS Short NOK Long USD (SNOK)

3x

ETFS 3x Long CAD Short EUR (ECA3) ETFS 3x Short CAD Long EUR (CAE3)

5x

ETFS 5x Long CAD Short EUR (ECA5) ETFS 5x Short CAD Long EUR (CAE5)

Currency Baskets

ETFS Bullish USD vs Commodity Currency Basket Securities (SCOM) ETFS Bearish USD vs Commodity Currency Basket Securities (LCOM)

Commodity ETPs

ETFS Brent Crude (BRNT) ETFS WTI Crude Oil (CRUD) ETFS Longer Dated Brent Crude (FBRT) ETFS Longer Dated WTI Crude Oil (FCRU)

2x & -1x

ETFS 2x Daily Long Brent Crude (LBRT) ETFS 2x Daily Long WTI Crude Oil (LOIL) ETFS 1x Daily Short Brent Crude (SBRT) ETFS 1x Daily Short WTI Crude Oil (SOIL)

3x

ETFS 3x Daily Long WTI Crude Oil (3CRL) ETFS 3x Daily Short WTI Crude Oil (3CRS)

ETFS EUR Daily Hedged Brent Crude (EBRT) ETFS EUR Daily Hedged WTI Crude Oil (ECRD) ETFS GBP Daily Hedged Brent Crude (PBRT) ETFS GBP Daily Hedged WTI Crude Oil (PCRD)

The complete ETF Securities product list can be found here.

Important Information

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”). The products discussed in this document are issued by ETFS Foreign Exchange Limited (“FXL”). FXL is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

This communication is only targeted at professional investors. In Switzerland, this communication is only targeted at Regulated Qualified Investors.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value. This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States. This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents. ETFS UK is required by the FCA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit. Short and/or leveraged exchange-traded products are only intended for investors who understand the risks involved in investing in a product with short and/or leveraged exposure and who intend to invest on a short term basis. Potential losses from short and leveraged exchange-traded products may be magnified in comparison to products that provide an unleveraged exposure. Please refer to the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks.

Are commodities at a turning point?

Are commodities at a turning point?

Commodity ETP Weekly – Are commodities at a turning point?

•  Gold at a four-month high.
•  Net inflows into oil ETPs on strong Chinese imports.
•  Shift in copper sentiment.
•  As part of our ”Energy Wars” webinar series we welcome Richard Mallinson, a leading geopolitical analyst at Energy Aspects to join us, to discuss where next for the oil price.
Register here to attend

Download the complete report (.pdf)

Pressure on commodities seems to be easing on the back of technical support and better fundamental prospects. Although China imports fell by 17.7% over the past year to September, demand for some commodities remains resilient. Chinese oil imports so far this year rose 9% compared to the same period last year, while copper imports for September surged 18% compared to September 2014, suggesting that fears over China demand slowdown have been overblown. Despite a rising US Dollar (USD) robust Chinese economic activity should lend support to commodity prices this week. Sentiment towards the asset class is turning with investors increasing exposure to long commodity ETPs.

Gold at a four-month high. Gold rose 3.9% last week, marking the second consecutive week of positive returns and closing at a 4-month high at US$1,184.25/oz. on Thursday. Weaker economic indicators from US and Eurozone early in the week saw gold rally alongside a declining US Dollar. In addition, gold reached another technical support last Wednesday, crossing its 200 day moving average upward, often an indication that price increase is likely to continue in the near term. Inflows into long gold ETPs hit an eight-week high of US$42mn and marking five consecutive weeks of inflows. Gold has retraced some of the gains as US inflation surprised to the upside, in turn boosting the USD. Although rate hike expectations have been brought forward, market expectations indicate that the Federal Reserve is likely to begin the tightening cycle early next year, lending additional support to the commodities complex.

Net inflows into oil ETPs on strong Chinese imports. Oil ETPs recorded net inflows of US$29mn mainly into ETF WTI Crude Oil (CRUD) and ETFS Daily Leveraged WTI Crude Oil (LOIL) on strong demand from China. September oil imports were slightly higher than September last year. However China total oil imports so far this year rose 8.8% above its level at the same period last year, suggesting that Chinese demand for the commodity has been strong. Meanwhile larger-than-expected increase in US oil inventories last week weighed on the price of oil. WTI fell 6.2%, while Brent plunged 8.2% over the past week, partially offsetting the previous week’s gains. While the oil market remains amply supplied, strong demand from China combined with falling production in the US should eventually trim inventories and support oil prices in the medium term.

Shift in copper sentiment. Investors appear to be becoming more bullish on copper. ETFS Copper (COPA) recorded net inflows of US$9.1mn (a 10-week high) while ETFS Daily Short Copper (SCOP) saw outflows of US$31.1mn, marking the most aggressive cut in short ETP positions since June 2014. The International Copper Study Group’s (ICSG’s) data revisions have helped fuelled positive sentiment for copper. The metal has risen 2.5% since the release of ICSG updated figures on 6th of October and 7.3% since its six-year low hit in August. In addition, China copper imports in September 2015 grew 18% year-on-year, underpinning market expectations for tighter market conditions in 2015 and 2016.

Key events to watch this week. While China industrial production for October came below expectations this morning, better-than-expected GDP for Q3 and retail sales should help ease concern over a potential hard landing and lend support to commodity prices this week. Markit manufacturing PMI for October in Europe and the US should provide further colour on the current global demand for metals.

Video Presentation

Edith Southammakosane, Research Analyst at ETF Securities provides an analysis of last week’s performance, flow and trading activity in commodity exchange traded products and a look at the week ahead.

For more information contact

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

This is a strictly privileged and confidential communication between ETFS UK and its selected client. This communication contains information addressed only to a specific individual and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person other than the named addressee. This communication (i) is provided for informational purposes only, (ii) should not be construed in any manner as any solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or any related financial instruments, and (iii) should not be construed in any manner as a public offer of any securities or any related financial instruments. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. Please notify the sender immediately if you have mistakenly received this communication. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This document may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of any information contained herein and any opinions related to product or market activity may change. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data.

Any historical performance included in this document may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this document solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance.

Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.

The information contained in this communication is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision.

ETFS UK is required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”) to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

Risk Warnings

Any products referenced in this document are generally aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant product issue. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may valued in currencies other than those in which there are priced and will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor. Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in any securities referenced in this communication.

If you have any questions please contact ETFS UK at +44 20 7448 4330 or info@etfsecurities.com for more information.

Investors Shun Gold for Oil as Bargain-Hunting Resumes

Investors Shun Gold for Oil as Bargain-Hunting Resumes

ETF Securities Commodity ETP Weekly – Investors Shun Gold for Oil as Bargain-Hunting Resumes

•    Declining oil prices attract bargain hunters.

•    Precious metals recorded largest outflows in 19 weeks, totaling $309mn last week.

Download the complete report (.pdf)

Declining oil prices attract bargain hunters. This week ETFS WTI Crude Oil Classic (CRUD) and ETFS Leveraged WTI Crude Oil (LOIL) witnessed their third consecutive week of inflows of $20mn and $13mn respectively. Seasonal factors typically reduce reserves around this time of year, but stocks surged by 2.5m barrels defying predictions of 2.3m barrels decline. Investors continue to raise bets of a reversal in price of WTI crude oil as it settled below $50 a barrel for the first time since early April this year. We believe that the recent weakness in prices will encourage oil producers to tighten supply. Wood Mackenzie’s recent study indicates a US$200bn cut in investment across the industry, primarily in high-cost non OPEC, non-US production, that will lead to lower supplies in the future.

Precious metals recorded largest outflows in 19 weeks, totaling $309mn last week. As the price of gold slid to its lowest level since March 2010, ETFS physically-backed gold holdings saw net outflows of US$284mn, the largest in 19 weeks. Market sentiment towards the yellow metal continued to wane as existing home sales reached an 81⁄2 year high and jobless claims reached an 81⁄2 year low in the US increasing the probability of a rate hike and continued US dollar strength. There has been a significant decline in the ‘net’ long exposure in gold, with positioning reaching its lowest level since June 2013. This week Swiss customs data reported total gold outflows in June at 98.5 tonnes, its lowest level since August last year. Swiss gold shipments to China were down sharply by 25 per cent m-o-m while shipments to India were down a modest 12.5 per cent m-o-m. As India approaches wedding season we view current levels as supportive for accumulating positions.

As platinum dipped below the $1000 an ounce for the first time in more than 6 years, investors continued to sell out of long platinum ETPs. Outflows amounted to US$22.4mn, the highest since March 2015. Downward price pressure in PGMs led investors to offload US$7.3mn from ETFS Physical backed Palladium (PHPD). Investors are clearly spooked by the violent price declines, despite the prospects for a supply deficit amid strengthening demand for pollution abatement technologies.

Key events to watch this week. Investors will be on the lookout for direction on US interest rates as the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee convenes this week. While no change is expected at this meeting investors will be poised for cues on rate increases at its September meeting, when consensus expects the first rate increase since 2006. US durable goods orders, consumer confidence and GDP data will provide further guidance on dollar strength this week.

Video Presentation

Aneeka Gupta, Research Analyst at ETF Securities provides an analysis of last week’s performance, flow and trading activity in commodity exchange traded products and a look at the week ahead.

For more information contact

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

This is a strictly privileged and confidential communication between ETFS UK and its selected client. This communication contains information addressed only to a specific individual and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person other than the named addressee. This communication (i) is provided for informational purposes only, (ii) should not be construed in any manner as any solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or any related financial instruments, and (iii) should not be construed in any manner as a public offer of any securities or any related financial instruments. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. Please notify the sender immediately if you have mistakenly received this communication. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This document may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of any information contained herein and any opinions related to product or market activity may change. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data.

Any historical performance included in this document may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this document solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance.

Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.

The information contained in this communication is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision.

ETFS UK is required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”) to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

Risk Warnings

Any products referenced in this document are generally aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant product issue. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may valued in currencies other than those in which there are priced and will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor. Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in any securities referenced in this communication.

If you have any questions please contact ETFS UK at +44 20 7448 4330 or info@etfsecurities.com for more information.

Oil Rally Consolidates Conviction in Crude

Oil Rally Consolidates Conviction in Crude

Commodity ETP Weekly Oil Rally Consolidates Conviction in Crude

Strongest weekly rally in four years drives inflows into long oil ETPs.
ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) reverses outflows from previous week.
Investors seeking leveraged exposure to gold drive inflows into ETFS Physical Silver (PHAG).
Bearish US inventory report stimulates inflows into long natural gas ETPs.

Download the complete report (.pdf)

The gold price tumbled and crude rallied on Friday immediately following the release of strong US payrolls data which reflected the health of the US labour market and the continuing theme of divergence between the US and Eurozone economies. In Asia, after cutting the Reserve Requirement Ratio by 50bps the People’s Bank of China may be under pressure to take more significant easing measures if upcoming Chinese inflation, money and loan supply data prove disappointing. Industrial metal prices are likely to be key beneficiaries of any further stimulus measures that are announced by the Chinese authorities.

Strongest weekly rally in four years drives inflows into long oil ETPs. ETFS WTI Crude Oil (CRUD) and ETFS Brent (OILB) saw US$80m of inflows this week as crude prices experienced the largest weekly gain since 2011. Escalation of violence in Libya, strong US labour market data and fall in the US oil rig count have prompted a strong rally in oil prices despite the release of record high US crude inventory figures. Investors are positioning themselves to benefit from the current positive sentiment in oil markets and the potential recovery in crude prices over the year.

ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) reverses outflows from previous week. US$65mn flowed into PHAU this week as investors continued to seek a safe haven from the uncertain political and economic situation in Europe. The gold price swung between gains and losses this week ultimately ending the week down 0.7%. The gold price was pressured by news that the newly elected Greek government would not be demanding a write off of international debt contrary to market expectations.

Investors seeking leveraged exposure to gold drive inflows into ETFS Physical Silver (PHAG). US$20mn flowed into PHAG this week despite the price falling -2.5%. Silver has performed well this year climbing 6.4% YTD as deflationary price pressure from tumbling oil prices has instigated a series of rate cuts by central banks and quantitative easing (QE) by the ECB. The result has been increased demand for silver due to investors perceiving the metal as a leverage play on gold.

Bearish US inventory report stimulates inflows into long natural gas ETPs. Bargain hunting investors seeking a rebound in prices drove US$7.2mn of inflows into ETFS Daily Leveraged Natural Gas as the spot price reached two and a half year lows this week. The fall was instigated by a smaller than expected withdrawal from US natural gas storage reported by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Investors are betting that low gas prices will stimulate greater demand from industrial producers and electricity companies in coming months which should lead to a price recovery.

Key events to watch this week. Following the strong US payrolls reading on Friday market attention will turn towards Europe and Asia this week. On Wednesday, the Euro area finance ministers hold emergency meeting to discuss a sustainable solution to Greece’s bailout program. This will come before Eurozone Q4 2014 GDP data released on Friday. In China, release of the level of aggregate financing, new Yuan loans and money supply will give a good indication of the health of Chinese credit markets and provide signs as to whether the central bank will have to ease policy further.

Video Presentation

Josh Tiwana, Research Analyst at ETF Securities provides an analysis of last week’s performance, flow and trading activity in commodity exchange traded products and a look at the week ahead.

For more information contact

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority.

This is a strictly privileged and confidential communication between ETFS UK and its selected client. This communication contains information addressed only to a specific individual and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person other than the named addressee. This communication (i) is provided for informational purposes only, (ii) should not be construed in any manner as any solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or any related financial instruments, and (iii) should not be construed in any manner as a public offer of any securities or any related financial instruments. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. Please notify the sender immediately if you have mistakenly received this communication. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This document may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of any information contained herein and any opinions related to product or market activity may change. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data.

Any historical performance included in this document may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this document solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance.

Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.

The information contained in this communication is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision.

ETFS UK is required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”) to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction. No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

Risk Warnings

Any products referenced in this document are generally aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant product issue. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may valued in currencies other than those in which there are priced and will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor. Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in any securities referenced in this communication.

If you have any questions please contact ETFS UK at +44 20 7448 4330 or info@etfsecurities.com for more information.