Brent crude and WTI: Oil prices extend losses as oversupply concerns weigh March 15, 2016 Oil prices extended losses from the previous session today, as oversupply concerns clipped the wings of a six-week rally which had stemmed from optimism that the market had bottomed. Rising US stockpiles and Iran's refusal to join an a deal to freeze output at January levels, led by de facto Opec leader Saudi Arabia and [...]
Brent crude and WTI: Oil prices continue to fall as oversupply concerns grow April 5, 2016 Oil prices fell for the second day in a row this week, as weaker demand for petrol fed into concerns that the world's oil producers will be unable to agree a freeze deal. Stronger appetite for petrol in both North America and Asia has helped put a floor under Brent crude prices which have tumbled around 70 [...]
These three perilous trends spell disaster for Saudi Arabia May 31, 2016 “How the mighty have fallen!”– 2 Samuel 1:27 What a difference a year makes in terms of political risk in the energy markets. Just 12 short months ago, all talk was of a resurgent Russia and corresponding security of supply issues in Eastern Europe, as the Kremlin seemed the world’s greatest destabilising force. Traditionally stable [...]
Doha oil production freeze talks end with no agreement, investors watch for movement in the oil price April 17, 2016 Talks between oil cartel Opec and non-Opec countries in Doha to try and reach a deal on an oil production freeze have ended without agreement, potentially risking a renewed price rout. Ministers have confirmed to reporters in the Qatar capital that more time and consultation is needed before a production freeze can be enacted. Officials from Opec (the Organization of the [...]
I lost my job over the Iraq War: Chilcot has restored my faith in democracy July 6, 2016 “In the name of God, go!” – Oliver Cromwell, On The Dissolution of the Long Parliament, 1653 The Iraq war presented me with the most profound moral crisis of my life. I was working in Washington, immersed in two major efforts offering advice on post-war Iraq planning. Yet I could see there was none. The [...]
Oil prices heading for longest run of monthly gains in five years May 31, 2016 Oil prices are on course for the longest run of monthly gains in five years, helped by supply outages across the world. Brent crude, the global benchmark, slumped 0.9 per cent to $49.33 per barrel today. West Texas Intermediate crude, the US benchmark, also fell 0.2 per cent to $49.4. Read more: These three perilous trends spell [...]
Brent crude and WTI: Oil price drop after Doha cushioned by Kuwaiti strikes April 18, 2016 The sharp drop in oil prices following the collapse of talks in Doha was cushioned by a Kuwaiti oil industry strike today. Brent crude, the global benchmark, tumbled more than seven per cent in early trading after oil majors, Opec (the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries) and Russia failed to agree on a plan to freeze [...]
London house prices: Iranian billionaire investors poised to splurge £6bn on properties around the world – and London is one of the top destinations March 15, 2016 Ultra high-net-worth investors from Iran are poised to go on a buying spree of properties around the world – and London is likely to be the top location. Research by high end estate agent Rokstone claims that millionaires and businesses will spend £6bn over the next five-to-10 years on property outside Iran, following the lifting of sanctions. [...]
The West’s deal with Iran will result in a “nuclear holocaust”, says Donald Trump August 16, 2015 The Iran nuclear deal reached in July will have catastrophic consequences for the world, Republican candidate Donald Tump has warned. Read more: If a nuclear deal is reached, Iran will be bursting with investment opportunities – here's what to look out for In an interview with NBC's Meet the Press today, the billionaire Republican [...]
British embassy re-opens in Iran, paving the way for new business opportunities August 23, 2015 Today, the British embassy in Iran was opened for the first time in four years, marking a pivotal moment in the trade relationship between the two countries. Read more: If a nuclear deal is reached, Iran will be bursting with investment opportunities – here's what to look out for During a ceremony overseen by [...]