Will OPEC+ Output Cuts At All Boost Oil ETFs Ahead?
- OPEC+ Production Cuts Extension: OPEC+ agreed to extend production cuts of 3.66 million bpd until end of 2025 and 2.2 million bpd until September 2024, aiming to stabilize the market.
- Bearish Sentiment: Analysts from Goldman Sachs described the recent OPEC+ meeting as bearish due to plans to phase out voluntary cuts by eight members, potentially leading to increased production.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Hamas, influenced oil market sentiment.
- IEA Oil Demand Forecast: The International Energy Agency cut its forecast for 2024 oil demand growth, citing weak demand in developed OECD nations and poor industrial activity.
- Impact of Fed Policy: Expectations of the Fed keeping rates higher for longer may lead to a stronger US dollar, which could negatively impact oil prices and economic growth.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on BNO
About the author


U.S. Military Action: Escalating military actions by the U.S. against Venezuela are influencing global oil markets.
Impact on Oil Prices: The potential for regime change in Venezuela is leading investors to raise oil prices, anticipating access to significant oil reserves.
OPEC+ Production Increase: Oil-focused ETFs, particularly the USO and BNO, faced significant losses this week due to OPEC+'s announcement of a production increase of 547,000 barrels per day starting in September, raising concerns about an oversupplied market.
Impact on Different ETFs: While futures-heavy ETFs suffered declines of over 5%, equity-based funds like XLE and OIH showed more resilience, losing only around 1.7%, as they are expected to benefit from increased drilling activity amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
Oil Price Decline: Oil prices, including the United States Brent Oil Fund (BNO) and the United States Oil Fund (USO), fell significantly due to a tentative ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which eased concerns over military escalation in the Middle East. Brent crude dropped over 12% from its recent peak.
Market Volatility and Uncertainty: Despite the positive market response to the ceasefire announcement by President Trump, uncertainty remains as tensions could reignite, with reports of missile launches by Iran prompting further Israeli strikes. Analysts caution about the fragile nature of the ceasefire and its potential impact on global oil supply.
Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Prices: The Strait of Hormuz is facing increased geopolitical pressure, leading to significant spikes in oil ETFs like USO and BNO, following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Experts warn that oil prices could reach $100 per barrel if Iran retaliates.
Investment Shifts Towards Energy and Defense ETFs: Investors are pivoting towards energy-oriented ETFs amid rising oil prices and defense ETFs due to escalating geopolitical risks, with funds like ITA and XAR gaining attention as potential beneficiaries of increased military spending.

Trump's Peace Proposal: President Trump expressed optimism about achieving peace between Israel and Iran, likening it to his success in facilitating a deal between India and Pakistan through trade negotiations. He mentioned ongoing discussions and meetings aimed at fostering this peace.
Potential Mediation Involvement: Trump indicated that the U.S. could potentially get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict and suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin could serve as a mediator, noting their recent conversation on the matter.

Market Reactions to Middle Eastern Conflict: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing significant fluctuations in global markets, with oil prices surging and increased interest in ETFs related to energy, defense, inflation protection, and cybersecurity as investors seek to navigate geopolitical risks.
Emergence of "Crisis Alpha" Investments: Investors are shifting focus towards ETFs that provide exposure to sectors likely to benefit from market dislocations caused by crises, including supply chain resilience and volatility trading products, as tensions remain high and diplomatic resolutions appear uncertain.







