Crude prices edged lower as political pressure grew for the White House to lobby OPEC+ to make sure the group as a whole can hit their quotas as a few members have struggled. The short-term outlook still has many risks, but optimism is high that will be short-lived. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) CEO Ed Bastian expects omicron to delay the rebound in travel demand by 60 days. The oil market will remain very tight this year and most likely over the next few years as most energy companies are not investing in massive new drilling projects.
WTI crude may pullback here only on speculation that President Biden is losing public favor and needs to do something to keep Americans happy. Biden seems like he is nowhere near getting Build Back Better done with Senator Manchin and Senator Sinema said she will not support changing the filibuster. Biden may resort to another SPR release and while that won’t solve any problems, it could send WTI crude down to the $80 level.
Gold
Gold prices are stuck in a range, edging lower on the day after risky assets took a big hit following a slight cooling with producer inflation. Gold is still comfortably above the $1800 level and could see a strong test today if earnings season, retail sales, and consumer sentiment paint an upbeat picture about the economy. Gold’s best environment in the short-term might be if risk appetite remains strong, but risks to the outlook continue to grow.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin declined alongside US equities and commodities as risky assets may struggle with an aggressive interest rate hiking environment by the Fed. The flows were somewhat light yesterday, so many traders are shrugging off this decline.