Goldman Sachs Group Inc has cut its oil price forecasts, citing weaker US growth due to tariffs and increased output from OPEC and its allies.

The bank now expects Brent crude to reach US$71 per barrel in December, down US$5 from its previous estimate, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is projected at US$67. Analysts, including Daan Struyven, noted in a report dated Sunday that Brent will trade within a US$65 to US$80 range and average US$68 next year.

“The medium-term risks to our forecast remain to the downside given potential further tariff escalation and potentially longer OPEC+ production increases,” the analysts stated.

Goldman has also revised its forecast for oil demand growth this year, lowering it by 18% to 900,000 barrels per day due to a slowing US economy driven by higher tariffs. Additional supply from OPEC and its allies has also contributed to a more balanced market.

Brent crude was trading around US$71 on Monday, having declined roughly 14% from its peak in January.

Bloomberg

Related

Barclays sees Brent Crude prices at $74 per barrel this year, down by $9 from its previous forecast, as it slashed its global demand growth estimate in mounting economic uncertainties.

“We turn neutral on oil prices relative to the curve and consensus, as we revise down our 2025 demand outlook 510,000 barrels per day due to soft high?-?frequency indicators and elevated economic uncertainty,” Barclays analysts wrote in a note on Friday carried by Reuters.

The UK-based bank now sees this year’s demand growth at 900,000 bpd.

But Barclays is not turning bearish on future oil prices as inventories around the world are still at low levels and some producers could slow supply growth due to softer prices.

“However, we do not turn bearish relative to the curve, as inventories are low and still declining, and risks to the supply outlook are also skewed to the downside, due to price-sensitive producers pulling back and geopolitical tensions,” the bank’s analysts wrote.

Barclays expects U.S. crude oil production to increase by the end of this year by just 200,000 bpd compared to the end of the fourth quarter of 2024.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its monthly report on Thursday that its current balances suggest global oil supply may exceed demand by around 600,000 bpd this year.

“If OPEC+ extends the unwinding of output cuts beyond April without reining in supply from members currently overproducing versus their targets, another 400 kb/d could be added to the market,” the IEA said.

The Paris-based agency expects growth in global oil demand to be just over 1 million bpd this year, reaching 103.9 million bpd.

OPEC, however, sees robust oil demand growth this year and next, expecting consumption to rise by 1.4 million bpd in each of 2025 and 2026.

Early on Friday, Brent Crude prices were trading just above the $70 per barrel mark, marginally higher on the day, propped up by a new round of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s oil industry.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com

What drives the copper price rate? 

Copper prices are influenced by a variety of factors, but they can be broadly categorised into the following five key drivers:

1. Global economic activity

Copper is closely tied to economic growth, making it a reliable barometer for global health. Indicators such as GDP growth, industrial production, and manufacturing activity directly influence demand. Infrastructure projects, urbanisation, and the transition to renewable energy – like EVs and wind turbines – further fuel demand during periods of economic expansion.

2. Supply dynamics

Supply disruptions, such as labour strikes, declining ore grades, or natural disasters, can tighten the market and drive up prices. Major producers like Chile and Peru dominate global supply, meaning any instability in these regions significantly impacts copper availability and pricing.

3. Market sentiment and speculation

Investor behaviour plays a major role in copper price fluctuations. Optimism about future demand, driven by trends like the energy transition, can create bullish momentum, while negative sentiment tied to economic slowdowns can cause prices to drop. Speculative activity in futures markets often amplifies these trends.

4. Geopolitical and trade factors

Geopolitical events, trade policies, and currency fluctuations significantly influence copper prices. Tensions between major economies, tariffs, and export restrictions can disrupt global trade flows, while a stronger US dollar often makes copper more expensive for non-dollar economies.

5. Interest rates and inflation

Monetary policies, particularly interest rate decisions, indirectly impact copper demand. Low interest rates encourage borrowing and investment in infrastructure, boosting demand. Conversely, rising interest rates or inflation can curb economic activity and reduce the need for industrial metals.

Historical copper performance

When it comes to copper’s historical performance, the brown metal has been a valuable resource for millennia, with its use dating back to ancient civilisations for tools, weapons, and currency. While no formal markets existed in early history, copper’s utility ensured its consistent demand.

In modern history, copper prices began to fluctuate with industrialisation. By the 1930s, copper traded at around $0.10 per pound during the Great Depression, following a steep decline from earlier highs. The post-World War II era saw steady growth in demand due to electrification and industrial expansion, with prices averaging between $0.30 and $0.60 per pound through the mid-20th century.

This century

The 2000s marked a significant turning point. Copper prices surged from under $0.80 per pound in 2003 to nearly $4.00 by 2008, driven by China’s rapid industrialisation. However, the 2008 global financial crisis caused prices to plummet to around $1.40 per pound before rebounding quickly as infrastructure investment picked up. By 2011, copper reached over $4.50 per pound.

More recently, the energy transition and growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) have sustained elevated copper prices. In May 2021, copper peaked at $4.80 per pound, fuelled by supply constraints and optimism around renewable energy projects. However, economic slowdowns in China, rising inflation, and monetary tightening have created price volatility. Over the past few years, copper prices have fluctuated between $3.50 and $4.50 per pound.

Today, copper remains a vital industrial asset, with its performance influenced by global economic activity, sustainability trends, and technological advancements. Its role in the green energy transition ensures its long-term significance, offering opportunities for traders to capitalise on price movements.

Copper trading strategies to consider

When approaching your copper trading strategy, it’s essential to recognise the opportunities and risks associated with this vital industrial metal. Copper’s role as an economic indicator and its importance in industries like construction, electronics, and renewable energy make it a dynamic asset to trade. Developing a robust trading strategy aligned with your goals, experience, and risk tolerance is critical for navigating its price volatility.

A well-planned trading strategy can help you open, manage, and close positions more effectively while minimising potential losses. Copper traders often combine technical analysis and fundamental insights to determine optimal entry and exit points.

1. Technical strategy

Technical strategies for copper rely on chart indicators to track price movements, identify patterns, and generate buy or sell signals. For instance:

These tools allow traders to interpret historical price data. Remember that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results

2. Price action trading

Price action trading focuses on analysing copper’s historical price movements to anticipate future trends. For example:

Copper’s liquidity and volatility make this strategy a potential choice for short-term traders.

3. Trend trading

Trend trading involves taking long-term positions based on the direction of copper’s price trend. Traders may choose to:

• Go long during periods of rising prices, driven by factors such as increased demand for electric vehicles or renewable energy infrastructure.

• Short copper during economic slowdowns or increased supply from major producers like Chile and Peru.

Fundamental factors, such as China’s economic performance or changes in mining output, play a critical role in this strategy.

4. News trading

News trading capitalises on market-moving events that influence copper prices. Examples include:

• Geopolitical events: labour strikes in major copper-producing nations can tighten supply and push prices higher.

• Economic data: strong manufacturing data from China often signals rising copper demand, leading to price increases.

• Weather disruptions: natural disasters affecting mines can lead to supply constraints.

Staying updated on news and analysis is crucial for implementing this strategy effectively.

5. Range trading

Range trading identifies support and resistance levels within which copper prices fluctuate. For instance, if copper is trading in a range of $3.50-$4.50:

• Support level: prices near $3.50 per pound (an undervalued zone).

• Resistance level: prices nearing $4.50 per pound (an overbought zone).

• Using tools like Bollinger Bands, traders buy at support and sell at resistance, leveraging copper’s historical price behaviour.

6. Breakout trading

Breakout trading targets opportunities when copper prices move outside of established ranges, signaling potential volatility. For example:

Breakouts often occur due to significant market catalysts, such as policy changes in China or major supply disruptions.

7. Fundamental trading

Fundamental trading in copper focuses on analysing supply-demand dynamics rather than relying solely on technical indicators. You can consider:

• Going long on copper during periods of strong economic growth or increased infrastructure investment.

• Shorting copper when global demand slows or mining output increases significantly.

This strategy requires a deep understanding of macroeconomic trends, particularly those tied to industrial production and the energy transition.

Additional trading insights

• Diversify your strategies: instead of relying on a single approach, consider a mix of strategies based on market conditions. For instance, position trading might work well in a bullish market, while trend trading can be effective in volatile conditions.

• Risk management is key: set clear stop-loss levels and position sizing rules to protect your capital. Even the most effective strategies can lead to losses without proper risk controls.

• Stay educated: regularly update your knowledge of market trends, economic indicators, and sector performance. Enrolling in commodity trading courses or following expert analysts can deepen your expertise.

Disclaimer: All figures included in the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect actual market data or real account conditions.

FAQ

What drives the copper price rate? 

Copper prices are influenced by a variety of factors, but they can be broadly categorised into the following five key drivers:

1. Global economic activity

Copper is closely tied to economic growth, making it a reliable barometer for global health. Indicators such as GDP growth, industrial production, and manufacturing activity directly influence demand. Infrastructure projects, urbanisation, and the transition to renewable energy – like EVs and wind turbines – further fuel demand during periods of economic expansion.

2. Supply dynamics

Supply disruptions, such as labour strikes, declining ore grades, or natural disasters, can tighten the market and drive up prices. Major producers like Chile and Peru dominate global supply, meaning any instability in these regions significantly impacts copper availability and pricing.

3. Market sentiment and speculation

Investor behaviour plays a major role in copper price fluctuations. Optimism about future demand, driven by trends like the energy transition, can create bullish momentum, while negative sentiment tied to economic slowdowns can cause prices to drop. Speculative activity in futures markets often amplifies these trends.

4. Geopolitical and trade factors

Geopolitical events, trade policies, and currency fluctuations significantly influence copper prices. Tensions between major economies, tariffs, and export restrictions can disrupt global trade flows, while a stronger US dollar often makes copper more expensive for non-dollar economies.

5. Interest rates and inflation

Monetary policies, particularly interest rate decisions, indirectly impact copper demand. Low interest rates encourage borrowing and investment in infrastructure, boosting demand. Conversely, rising interest rates or inflation can curb economic activity and reduce the need for industrial metals.

Historical copper performance

When it comes to copper’s historical performance, the brown metal has been a valuable resource for millennia, with its use dating back to ancient civilisations for tools, weapons, and currency. While no formal markets existed in early history, copper’s utility ensured its consistent demand.

In modern history, copper prices began to fluctuate with industrialisation. By the 1930s, copper traded at around $0.10 per pound during the Great Depression, following a steep decline from earlier highs. The post-World War II era saw steady growth in demand due to electrification and industrial expansion, with prices averaging between $0.30 and $0.60 per pound through the mid-20th century.

This century

The 2000s marked a significant turning point. Copper prices surged from under $0.80 per pound in 2003 to nearly $4.00 by 2008, driven by China’s rapid industrialisation. However, the 2008 global financial crisis caused prices to plummet to around $1.40 per pound before rebounding quickly as infrastructure investment picked up. By 2011, copper reached over $4.50 per pound.

More recently, the energy transition and growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) have sustained elevated copper prices. In May 2021, copper peaked at $4.80 per pound, fuelled by supply constraints and optimism around renewable energy projects. However, economic slowdowns in China, rising inflation, and monetary tightening have created price volatility. Over the past few years, copper prices have fluctuated between $3.50 and $4.50 per pound.

Today, copper remains a vital industrial asset, with its performance influenced by global economic activity, sustainability trends, and technological advancements. Its role in the green energy transition ensures its long-term significance, offering opportunities for traders to capitalise on price movements.

Copper trading strategies to consider

When approaching your copper trading strategy, it’s essential to recognise the opportunities and risks associated with this vital industrial metal. Copper’s role as an economic indicator and its importance in industries like construction, electronics, and renewable energy make it a dynamic asset to trade. Developing a robust trading strategy aligned with your goals, experience, and risk tolerance is critical for navigating its price volatility.

A well-planned trading strategy can help you open, manage, and close positions more effectively while minimising potential losses. Copper traders often combine technical analysis and fundamental insights to determine optimal entry and exit points.

1. Technical strategy

Technical strategies for copper rely on chart indicators to track price movements, identify patterns, and generate buy or sell signals. For instance:

These tools allow traders to interpret historical price data. Remember that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results

2. Price action trading

Price action trading focuses on analysing copper’s historical price movements to anticipate future trends. For example:

Copper’s liquidity and volatility make this strategy a potential choice for short-term traders.

3. Trend trading

Trend trading involves taking long-term positions based on the direction of copper’s price trend. Traders may choose to:

• Go long during periods of rising prices, driven by factors such as increased demand for electric vehicles or renewable energy infrastructure.

• Short copper during economic slowdowns or increased supply from major producers like Chile and Peru.

Fundamental factors, such as China’s economic performance or changes in mining output, play a critical role in this strategy.

4. News trading

News trading capitalises on market-moving events that influence copper prices. Examples include:

• Geopolitical events: labour strikes in major copper-producing nations can tighten supply and push prices higher.

• Economic data: strong manufacturing data from China often signals rising copper demand, leading to price increases.

• Weather disruptions: natural disasters affecting mines can lead to supply constraints.

Staying updated on news and analysis is crucial for implementing this strategy effectively.

5. Range trading

Range trading identifies support and resistance levels within which copper prices fluctuate. For instance, if copper is trading in a range of $3.50-$4.50:

• Support level: prices near $3.50 per pound (an undervalued zone).

• Resistance level: prices nearing $4.50 per pound (an overbought zone).

• Using tools like Bollinger Bands, traders buy at support and sell at resistance, leveraging copper’s historical price behaviour.

6. Breakout trading

Breakout trading targets opportunities when copper prices move outside of established ranges, signaling potential volatility. For example:

Breakouts often occur due to significant market catalysts, such as policy changes in China or major supply disruptions.

7. Fundamental trading

Fundamental trading in copper focuses on analysing supply-demand dynamics rather than relying solely on technical indicators. You can consider:

• Going long on copper during periods of strong economic growth or increased infrastructure investment.

• Shorting copper when global demand slows or mining output increases significantly.

This strategy requires a deep understanding of macroeconomic trends, particularly those tied to industrial production and the energy transition.

Additional trading insights

• Diversify your strategies: instead of relying on a single approach, consider a mix of strategies based on market conditions. For instance, position trading might work well in a bullish market, while trend trading can be effective in volatile conditions.

• Risk management is key: set clear stop-loss levels and position sizing rules to protect your capital. Even the most effective strategies can lead to losses without proper risk controls.

• Stay educated: regularly update your knowledge of market trends, economic indicators, and sector performance. Enrolling in commodity trading courses or following expert analysts can deepen your expertise.

Disclaimer: All figures included in the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect actual market data or real account conditions.

FAQ

FX:EURUSD market reached the November high area and is currently testing last week’s high as well. On the weekly timeframe, the price has formed a large bullish candle, indicating an impulse leg. Typically, after such a move, prices tend to make a sharp drop. Given the presence of both the weekly and November highs above, I think the market may struggle to move…

Brent oil price faced strong negative pressures in the previous sessions to break 70.75$ and settle below it, noticing that the price attempts to rise again, approaching the mentioned level, while stochastic loses its positive momentum clearly to enter the overbought areas.

To review the full report, and to get our more detailed analysis and 100% accurate signals provided by Best Trading Signal, subscribe to Economies.com VIP Club through the link below!

Brent oil price faced strong negative pressures in the previous sessions to break 70.75$ and settle below it, noticing that the price attempts to rise again, approaching the mentioned level, while stochastic loses its positive momentum clearly to enter the overbought areas.

To review the full report, and to get our more detailed analysis and 100% accurate signals provided by Best Trading Signal, subscribe to Economies.com VIP Club through the link below!

(Reuters) – Barclays on Friday lowered its 2025 Brent oil price forecast by $9 per barrel to $74 per barrel, citing a softer demand outlook amid elevated economic uncertainty.

Brent crude futures were trading around $70 a barrel on Friday, after settling 1.5% lower in the previous session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at around $67 a barrel. [O/R]

“We turn neutral on oil prices relative to the curve and consensus, as we revise down our 2025 demand outlook 510,000 barrels per day due to soft high-frequency indicators and elevated economic uncertainty,” analysts at Barclays said in a note.

“However, we do not turn bearish relative to the curve, as inventories are low and still declining, and risks to the supply outlook are also skewed to the downside, due to price-sensitive producers pulling back and geopolitical tensions,” it said.

The International Energy Agency warned on Thursday that global oil supply could exceed demand by around 600,000 barrels per day this year, due to growth led by the U.S. and weaker-than-expected global demand.

Barclays, which expects U.S. crude output to rise by 200,000 barrels per day by the end of the fourth quarter from the year-earlier period, also lowered its oil demand outlook sharply and now expects growth of 900,000 barrels per day for the full year.

(Reporting by Brijesh Patel and Anmol Choubey in Bengaluru; Editing by Paul Simao)

Created on March 14, 2025

• The Thursday session has been very good for gold, as it looks like we are doing everything we can to reach toward the 3000 level.
• The 3000 level of course is an area that will attract a lot of attention as it is a large, round, psychologically significant figure, and an area that would probably feature a lot of options trading as well.
• In other words, I think that we are kicking off the next leg higher, which is very interesting when you look at the technical analysis.

Technical Analysis

Despite the fact that I can give you a ton of reasons for gold price to go higher, the reality is that the technical analysis is extraordinarily strong as well. To begin with, we’ve seen a surgeon volume over the last couple of days, and of course the candlestick on Thursday is massive. Because of this, I think that there is a lot of momentum coming into this market, which makes sense considering that we have just broken above the top of a bullish candlestick, and of course a bullish flag.

The bullish flag of course will be something that pretty much everybody in the world is watching, and what I find interesting is that the so-called “measured move” means that we could be going to the $3300 level before it’s all said and done. At this point, I don’t see any reason to short this market, although there is probably going to be a significant amount of profit-taking near the $3000 level.

On any pullback, I anticipate that there will be people looking to get involved and take advantage of “cheap gold” as it appears. I find it difficult to imagine a major selloff in gold unless of course something drastic happens out there that is unforeseen. At this juncture, I would look at the $2900 level as a potential “floor in the market”, which is most certainly something to pay close attention to.

Ready to trade today’s Gold prediction? Here’s a list of some of the best XAU/USD brokers to check out.

Back Test of Tend Lines is Bearish

Notice that the high for today at $4.14 successfully tested resistance at both the 20-Day MA and trendline as they have converged to identify a very similar price resistance area. Having the two lines converge may increase the significance of the resistance zone. Since the behavior of natural gas after the breakdown earlier in the week is confirming a weaking decline, the bearish pullback can be anticipated to continue unless upside resistance price levels are reclaimed. If you’ve been reading this column, you’ll remember that sharp price movements often follow a pullback to test the 20-Day MA first.

Bullish on Sustained Rise Above 20-Day MA

On the upside, Friday’s high was at $4.14 at the time of this writing, and the 20-Day line is at $4.15. A rise above the 20-Day line would be a sign of strength. But given the current price pattern an advance above Thursday’s high of $4.20 should offer a more reliable indication of strength. Wednesday’s high of $4.38 would provide an initial upside target.

Bearish Weekly Pattern

This week is on track to complete a bearish candlestick pattern following a failed breakout to a new trend high on Monday and a weekly close in the lower third of the week’s trading range. It is also interesting to recognize that a little below this week’s low is potential weekly support around the 200-Week MA at $3.93.

Therefore, a drop below this week’s low triggers a continuation of the decline, and a decline below $3.93 will provide an additional bearish signal. Key potential support is at the 50-Day MA, currently at $3.83. Further down from there is the last swing low $3.74, along with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level at $3.72. Together, they generate a significant potential support level as a drop below that swing low will trigger a bearish reversal of the nearby uptrend.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.