WTI

Morning on the Commodity Markets: The Bulls Wake Up Before Everyone Else

Asian trading opened on Wednesday with an unexpected but entirely understandable surge. WTI ... crude oil futures for September delivery confidently crossed the $85-per-barrel mark, gaining almost a full percentage point. At the time the data was recorded, the price stood at $85.17—and this was only the beginning of a trading session that promised to be intense.

The highest level reached by a barrel was not included in the initial market report, but the fact that oil found support at $77.93 while resistance awaits at $85.74 says a great deal. A range of almost $8 is not merely volatility—it is the nervous twitch of a market trying to determine which way the geopolitical wind is blowing.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index edged slightly lower, slipping by a few hundredths of a percentage point to 100.97. This may seem insignificant, but for oil, which is priced in US dollars, even such a microscopic weakening of the American currency matters. It makes the commodity slightly more affordable for holders of other currencies, stimulating demand.

However, investors should not be misled by this modest correction in the dollar. The main story today is not about currency fluctuations, but about events in the Middle East and the mindset of traders who are frantically recalculating their risk exposure.

BZUSD ... , the global benchmark, is keeping pace with its American counterpart. September futures rose by 1.10% to $92.01 per barrel. The spread between the two benchmarks stands at $6.84, remaining within a relatively normal range. However, the fact that both grades are rising simultaneously indicates the global nature of the current rally.

This is not a local story about US oil inventories or wildfires in Canada. It is a story about global security, tankers passing...

Tuesday: Markets Recoup Their Losses

Tuesday 21.07.2026 became a day of recovery for Asian stock markets. After several days of volatility and selling pressure driven by geopolitical risks, investors returned to buying. The main catalysts behind the rebound were lower oil prices and hopes for a diplomatic resolution in the Middle East.

Wall Street ended Monday with moderate losses, but U.S. stock futures pointed to a stronger opening on Tuesday. The technology-heavy NASDAQ, which is particularly sensitive to shifts in investor sentiment, led the advance.

Japan was one of the main beneficiaries of the positive momentum across Asian markets. The ^N225 ... rose by more than 2% after the market was closed on Monday for a public holiday. Investors actively purchased technology stocks, while overall market sentiment remained positive.

However, South Korea’s KOSPI delivered perhaps the most impressive performance. The index rebounded by almost 4% after falling approximately 5% during the previous session. This is a classic example of a “dead cat bounce,” as investors return to oversold stocks, particularly in the technology sector.

Technology Sector Leads the Recovery

Technology companies were the primary drivers of growth across Asian markets. BC94.L ... Electronics shares surged by 6%, while SK Hynix gained 4.5%. This represented a powerful recovery following several days of declines, during which concerns about inflated valuations and geopolitical risks weighed heavily on the sector.

For investors, the rebound may indicate that the fundamental positions of these companies remain strong. Samsung recently forecast a nineteenfold increase in operating profit for the second quarter, and the markets appear ready to believe these projections. Like Samsung, SK Hynix is a major supplier of memory chips used in artificial intelligence applications, and demand for these products remains high.

However, the recovery of Asia’s technology sector is taking place against a backdrop of continued uncertainty....

Tuesday in the Commodity Market: A Modest Decline After a Strong Rally

Tuesday 21.07.2026 brought a pause to the oil market. September WTI ... crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell by 0.23% to $82.29 per barrel. The decline may appear insignificant, but it comes after several days of steady growth, during which oil reached new highs and broke through psychologically important levels. The market has taken a breather, and the main question now is whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a trend reversal.

There are reasons for caution. The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, which is still providing support for oil prices. However, after oil surged following reports of strikes against Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, many traders decided to take profits. This is normal market behavior: a correction usually follows a strong rally, especially when there are no new catalysts to sustain the upward momentum.

The current technical picture supports this view. Support is located at $77.93, while resistance stands at $84.59. The current price of $82.29 is closer to the upper boundary of this range but has not yet reached it. This means the market still has room to move in either direction, although sellers are currently slightly more active than buyers.

Interestingly, WTI is declining against the backdrop of a stronger US dollar. The US Dollar Index rose by 0.03% to 100.81. Although this is a small move, it is symbolically important and places additional pressure on oil prices. The dollar and oil traditionally have an inverse correlation, meaning that even minor changes in the value of the US currency can affect commodity markets.

Brent Falls More Sharply as the Spread Widens

While WTI declined, September BZUSD ... crude oil futures fell by...

Friday’s Opening: Black Gold Is Back in Demand

Friday’s oil market opened with a confident move higher. August WTI crude oil futures WTI ... on the New York Mercantile Exchange gained nearly 1% and are trading at $79.68 per barrel. This is not merely a random price fluctuation. The rise is supported by several clear factors that are encouraging investors to regain confidence in the oil market.

Notably, the increase is taking place against the backdrop of a stable US dollar. The USD Index remained unchanged on Friday at 100.57. This means that currency movements are not putting pressure on oil, allowing the market to respond to other, more fundamental signals. At present, these signals suggest that demand for energy remains strong while supply is facing significant risks.

Let us examine what is driving prices higher and why BZUSD ... Brent crude, contrary to expectations, is moving lower.

Technical Outlook: The Bulls Advance

Technical indicators on Friday present a fairly optimistic picture for oil buyers. Support is located at $72.61. The price rebounded from this level some time ago and is now trading significantly above it. Resistance stands at $81.27, and breaking through this level will be the next major challenge for the bulls.

The current price of $79.68 is only around $1.50 below resistance. This creates an interesting situation: the market has approached an important threshold, and if buyers manage to overcome it, oil could receive a fresh upward impulse. Otherwise, a correction and another test of lower levels may follow.

The session high has not yet been updated, leaving room for further growth during the trading day. Traders are closely watching whether WTI can consolidate above $80—a psychologically important level that has acted as a significant barrier in recent weeks.

The Gap Between Brent and WTI: What Does the Spread...

Morning on the Commodities Front: Oil Starts the Day in Negative Territory

Oil futures opened Thursday’s Asian trading session with a small but telling decline. August-delivery WTI WTI ... crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell by 0.11% to $79.69 per barrel. The drop may appear insignificant—just eleven hundredths of a percent—but in commodity markets, even such modest movements are rarely accidental. Behind every price tick lies a complex combination of calculations, expectations, and an invisible struggle between buyers and sellers. The Asian session often sets the tone for the rest of the trading week.

It is particularly interesting that the decline is taking place against the backdrop of a stronger dollar, even though the increase is only symbolic. The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.03% and held at 100.30. This may seem insignificant, but because oil is priced in U.S. dollars, even such a microscopic increase can trigger profit-taking. The mechanism is straightforward: when the dollar appreciates, oil becomes more expensive for holders of other currencies, potentially reducing demand. This time, however, the situation is far more complex than a simple currency correlation.

The technical picture once again reminds us that the market is in a state of tense equilibrium. Support is located at $70.77 per barrel, providing a relatively wide downside buffer and leaving room for manoeuvre. Resistance is significantly higher at $81.27. The price is currently hovering almost midway between these two levels, although it remains closer to the upper boundary. This is an important signal: sellers are not yet prepared to send oil into a deep decline, but buyers are no longer showing the same level of aggression as before.

Brent and WTI: Twin Brothers with Different Personalities

September-delivery Brent crude, traded on ICE, also moved into negative territory, falling slightly more sharply by 0.21% to...

Introduction: The Third Wave of Growth

Wednesday morning brought fresh momentum to the oil market. August-delivery WTI crude oil futures rose by 1.08%, reaching $80.20 per barrel. Brent crude, meanwhile, gained 1.39% and settled at $85.91 per barrel. This move continues the rally that began last week and accelerated following the reinstatement of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

What is driving the market now? Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a weaker US dollar, and technical factors are all working in favor of the bulls. WTI ... crude has broken through the psychologically important level of $80 per barrel, opening the door to new potential targets.

In this article, we will examine the reasons behind the current rise, the key technical levels, and the prospects for the oil market over the coming days.

Geopolitical Factors: The Strait of Hormuz Blockade Continues to Put Pressure on the Market

The Reinstatement of the Blockade and Rising Oil Prices

The reinstatement of the Strait of Hormuz blockade remains the main geopolitical factor supporting oil prices. The United States announced the restoration of its naval blockade of Iran and the introduction of a transit fee for vessels passing through the strait, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Iran has not remained on the sidelines. Tehran has launched drone strikes against US facilities and targeted vessels in the region with cruise missiles. The escalation is continuing, and markets are pricing in the risk of serious supply disruptions.

The Role of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime corridor through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes. Any threat to this region causes anxiety in the markets and pushes prices higher.

Even without actual supply disruptions, the threat of them creates speculative momentum. Traders buy oil to hedge against...

Introduction: Marginal Growth Amid Turbulence

Tuesday’s trading session on the Taiwan Stock Exchange ended with a symbolic gain. The Taiwan Weighted Index rose by 0.06%, closing almost exactly where it had opened. This marginal increase may appear insignificant, but it takes on greater importance in the context of current events.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve policy, the Taiwanese market demonstrated remarkable resilience. The plastics manufacturing, oil, gas and electricity, and chemical sectors strengthened, offsetting weakness in other market segments.

The movements of individual stocks were particularly notable. Aerospace Industrial Development Corp shares surged by 10%, Microtek International Inc gained the same amount, and LARGAN Precision Co Ltd also posted a double-digit increase. At the same time, Novatek Microelectronics Corp shares fell by almost 14%. This contrast reflects the mixed sentiment prevailing across the market.

Top Gainers: Aerospace, Microelectronics, and Optics

Aerospace Industrial Development Corp: A Rocket-Like Surge

Aerospace Industrial Development Corp shares became the day’s strongest performer, rising by 10% to TWD 63.80. This represents the maximum daily increase the company’s shares are permitted to record during a single trading session.

What was behind this surge? Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may be benefiting the aerospace sector. Rising defense spending and increasing orders for military and civilian aircraft are creating favorable conditions for manufacturers operating in this segment.

The company may also have secured new contracts or announced technological breakthroughs that did not receive broad media coverage but were positively assessed by investors.

Microtek International Inc: Electronic Optimism

Microtek International Inc also posted an impressive 10% increase, closing at TWD 39.60. The company, which specializes in manufacturing scanners and other input devices, may have benefited from broader optimism within certain parts of the technology sector.

Interestingly,...

Introduction: Tuesday Brings Another Wave of Growth

Asian trading on Tuesday was marked by another surge in oil prices. August West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose by 2.07%, reaching $79.76 per barrel. Brent crude gained 1.66%, settling at $84.68 per barrel. This continued the rally that began last week, when prices jumped by more than 3% in a single day amid an escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran.

What is currently driving the market? Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, concerns about supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, and a weaker US dollar are all working in favor of oil bulls. However, there are also reasons for caution: technical levels indicate that oil has approached a resistance zone, and a breakout above $80 per barrel could open the way to new highs.

In this article, we will examine the reasons behind the current rally, key technical levels, and the outlook for the oil market in the coming days.

Geopolitical Factors: Iran Returns to the Center of Attention

Conflict Escalation and Threats to the Strait of Hormuz

The renewed military conflict between the United States and Iran continues to dominate the oil market. Last week, Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a commercial vessel was attacked. Although the United States disputed this statement, claiming that shipping routes remained open under the protection of the US Armed Forces, markets had already begun pricing in the risk of serious supply disruptions.

On Tuesday, President Trump said that the United States would restore its naval blockade of Iran and ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remained open. On the one hand, this statement demonstrates US determination. On the other hand, it highlights the fragility of the situation. Any further escalation could lead to actual...

Introduction: The Red Line Has Been Crossed

Monday began with an explosion in the oil markets—literally. Iran expanded its missile and drone attacks against Persian Gulf countries, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and then announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices surged by more than three percent within hours. Brent futures climbed to $78.46 per barrel, while WTI rose to $73.83.

This is not simply another geopolitical escalation. It is a strike at the very heart of the global energy system. The Strait of Hormuz is more than just a maritime route. It is an artery through which the lifeblood of the modern economy flows. Around twenty percent of all the oil consumed worldwide passes through it. Now, according to Tehran, this channel has been closed.

What is behind this decision? Who attacked the commercial vessel? Most importantly, how long will this crisis last, and what will it mean for the global economy? In this article, we examine every aspect of a situation that transformed the oil market in a single morning and forced traders around the world to recalculate their models.

Escalation: How the Strait Came to Be Closed

From Ceasefire to War in a Matter of Days

The history of this conflict is a classic example of how fragile peace can collapse in an instant. Just a week ago, it appeared that diplomatic efforts to restore the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran were producing results. Negotiations were underway, mediators were working, and both sides were avoiding drastic moves.

Then everything changed. Trump announced the end of the ceasefire and intensified strikes against Iranian facilities. Tehran, which had exercised restraint for a long time, responded. Its response proved far more severe than Washington had expected. Missile attacks against Qatar and...

Introduction: A Friday Morning on Commodity Markets

Asian trading on Friday began with a scenario that has already become familiar in recent weeks: WTI crude oil is showing moderate growth. August futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange added about 0.3%, stopping near $72.28 per barrel. At first glance, this may seem unremarkable: ordinary volatility during an ordinary trading day. But behind this routine figure lies a complex picture of geopolitical contradictions, economic fears, and the fragile balance between supply and demand.

The rise in prices is taking place against the backdrop of a weaker U.S. dollar — the dollar index fell by a quarter of a percent to 100.43 points. The connection is direct: the cheaper the dollar, the more attractive commodity contracts become for holders of other currencies. But this alone is far from enough to explain the current dynamics. Oil is now reacting to an entire set of events, each of which pulls the price either upward or downward in its own way. Let’s take a closer look at what is really happening in the black gold market.

Technical Picture: Levels That Speak

Support and Resistance Zones

Friday’s trading outlined clear technical reference points. Support settled at $67.82 — a level to which the price fell during the session, but where it repeatedly found buyers. Resistance was recorded at $76.08, although current trading is taking place significantly below this zone.

The gap between these levels is almost $9, which suggests one thing: the market is still searching for direction. A wide range is a sign of high uncertainty, when neither bears nor bulls can gain a decisive advantage. Traders are acting cautiously, reluctant to push the price toward extreme values.

Comparison with Brent: The Spread as an Indicator

The price difference between the two main crude benchmarks...