March 9 (Reuters) – A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Wayne Cole.
OK, so this is shaping up as a proper global energy shock, like the 1970’s version. Though it is unique in being by choice, or at least the choice of one man.
Brent cleared $100 at the open and never looked back, reaching a top of $119.50 so far. The crude benchmark is currently up 25%, which would be the biggest daily rise on record if it holds, and brings its gains since President Trump ordered the attack on Iran to a thumping 60%.
Those are the sort of numbers that are typically associated with world recession. The globe is less oil intensive these days, and there are some other sources of crude, but analysts agree it is not enough to weather a prolonged conflict.
And it does look like being lengthy. Trump’s call for “unconditional surrender” and Iran’s choice of the son of the former hard-line supreme leader as the new hard-line supreme leader would seem to make it hard for either side to back down.
A glance at shipping tracker Marine Traffic shows tankers are not braving the Strait of Hormuz and, given the way Iran is flinging ordinance around, might not even if war insurance was available and affordable. With crude not flowing, some Gulf states are running out of storage and scaling back production, which is a lengthy process to resume.
That’s showing up all-too quickly in fuel prices. Around half of Europe’s jet fuel comes through the strait, sending prices to record highs equivalent to about $190 per barrel.
Airline stocks across Asia were hammered on Monday, though you might not have noticed amid the general carnage. The Nikkei is off around 7%, South Korea 8% and Taiwan 5%. European share futures are down anywhere form 1% to 3%, and Wall Street futures around 2%.
Bond yields are up globally as investors hedge the risk of accelerating inflation, and how that might constrain central banks from easing policy even should economic activity slow.
Spiking prices for liquefied natural gas, jet fuel and fertiliser are all set to make it costlier to, say, heat homes, take a holiday or buy food.
For U.S. consumers, the real sore spot is always petrol – it’s a liquid not a gas. Wait until prices at the pump rise 10%, 20% or more, the resulting howl of pain could prove loud enough to end a war.
Key developments that could influence markets on Monday:
(By Wayne Cole; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
