Brent: Conflict keeps risk premium elevated – OCBC

Source Fxstreet

OCBC strategists Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong argue that market hopes for de-escalation in the US–Iran conflict look premature for Brent. While Brent has retreated from highs near USD119, they see the Strait of Hormuz situation as controlled disruption rather than resolution, with Iran–Oman traffic protocols and Trump’s threats suggesting ongoing supply risk despite their base case for Brent easing to USD85–70 over 6–12 months.

Hormuz tensions sustain Oil risk

"The US-Iran conflict has entered its sixth week with no clear path to de-escalation."

"Over the past week, sentiment improved on de-escalation hope. Brent retreated from early-week highs near USD119/bbl, hawkish central bank rate expectations were pared back, and the USD traded mixed versus G10 peers."

"Reports of Iran drafting with Oman a protocol to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic reduce the risk of a full shutdown—but point to managed restrictions rather than a clean reopening."

"President Trump ramped up his threats to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges unless it reopens Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
Bitcoin CME gaps at $35,000, $27,000 and $21,000, which one gets filled first?Prioritize filling the $27,000 gap and even try higher.
Author  FXStreet
Aug 22, 2023
Prioritize filling the $27,000 gap and even try higher.
placeholder
Bitcoin briefly loses 2025 gains as crypto plunges over the weekend.Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline this weekend, briefly erasing its 2025 gains and dipping below its year-opening value of $93,507. The cryptocurrency fell to a low of $93,029 on Sunday, representing a 25% drop from its all-time high in October. Although it has rebounded slightly to around $94,209, the pressures on the market remain significant. The downturn occurred despite the reopening of the U.S. government on Thursday, which many had hoped would provide essential support for crypto markets. This year initially appeared promising for cryptocurrencies, particularly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has established the most pro-crypto administration thus far. However, ongoing political tensions—including Trump's tariff strategies and the recent government shutdown, lasting a historic 43 days—have contributed to several rapid price pullbacks for Bitcoin throughout the year. Market dynamics are also being influenced by Bitcoin whales—investors holding large amounts of Bitcoin—who have been offloading portions of their assets, consequently stalling price rallies even as positive regulatory developments emerge. Despite these sell-offs, analysts from Glassnode argue that this behavior aligns with typical patterns seen among long-term investors during the concluding stages of bull markets, suggesting it is not indicative of a mass exodus. Notably, Bitcoin is not alone in its struggles, as Ethereum and Solana have also recorded declines of 7.95% and 28.3%, respectively, since the start of the year, while numerous altcoins have faced even steeper losses. Looking ahead, questions linger regarding the viability of the four-year cycle thesis, particularly given the increasing institutional support and regulatory frameworks now in place in the crypto landscape. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic, suggesting a potential Bitcoin resurgence in 2026 driven by the “debasement trade” thesis and a broader trend toward increased adoption of stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Hougan emphasized the soundness of the underlying fundamentals, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector in the longer term.
Author  Mitrade
Nov 17, 2025
Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline this weekend, briefly erasing its 2025 gains and dipping below its year-opening value of $93,507. The cryptocurrency fell to a low of $93,029 on Sunday, representing a 25% drop from its all-time high in October. Although it has rebounded slightly to around $94,209, the pressures on the market remain significant. The downturn occurred despite the reopening of the U.S. government on Thursday, which many had hoped would provide essential support for crypto markets. This year initially appeared promising for cryptocurrencies, particularly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has established the most pro-crypto administration thus far. However, ongoing political tensions—including Trump's tariff strategies and the recent government shutdown, lasting a historic 43 days—have contributed to several rapid price pullbacks for Bitcoin throughout the year. Market dynamics are also being influenced by Bitcoin whales—investors holding large amounts of Bitcoin—who have been offloading portions of their assets, consequently stalling price rallies even as positive regulatory developments emerge. Despite these sell-offs, analysts from Glassnode argue that this behavior aligns with typical patterns seen among long-term investors during the concluding stages of bull markets, suggesting it is not indicative of a mass exodus. Notably, Bitcoin is not alone in its struggles, as Ethereum and Solana have also recorded declines of 7.95% and 28.3%, respectively, since the start of the year, while numerous altcoins have faced even steeper losses. Looking ahead, questions linger regarding the viability of the four-year cycle thesis, particularly given the increasing institutional support and regulatory frameworks now in place in the crypto landscape. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic, suggesting a potential Bitcoin resurgence in 2026 driven by the “debasement trade” thesis and a broader trend toward increased adoption of stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Hougan emphasized the soundness of the underlying fundamentals, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector in the longer term.
placeholder
Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD opens lower around $4,450 on fears of widening Iran conflictsGold price (XAU/USD) opens over 1% lower to near $4,445.00 on Monday, as oil prices have rallied further on fears of further widening of conflicts in the Middle East. WTI Oil price is up almost 3% above $102.50 in the opening trade, increasing fears of higher inflation expectations globally.
Author  FXStreet
Mar 30, Mon
Gold price (XAU/USD) opens over 1% lower to near $4,445.00 on Monday, as oil prices have rallied further on fears of further widening of conflicts in the Middle East. WTI Oil price is up almost 3% above $102.50 in the opening trade, increasing fears of higher inflation expectations globally.
placeholder
WTI eases below $103.50 as US, Iran reportedly seeking 45-day ceasefireWest Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $103.30 during the early European trading hours on Monday. The WTI price retreats after reports that the United States (US) and Iran are making a push for a 45-day ceasefire. 
Author  FXStreet
6 hours ago
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $103.30 during the early European trading hours on Monday. The WTI price retreats after reports that the United States (US) and Iran are making a push for a 45-day ceasefire. 
placeholder
Crypto Weekly Radar: All eyes on Donald Trump’s ultimatum, US macroeconomic dataCrypto markets begin the week with mixed sentiment, with Bitcoin (BTC) trading above $69,000 following last week’s rebound. Still, markets remain cautious as traders weigh risks stemming from Donald Trump’s renewed threats toward Iran ahead of the ultimatum set for Tuesday.
Author  FXStreet
6 hours ago
Crypto markets begin the week with mixed sentiment, with Bitcoin (BTC) trading above $69,000 following last week’s rebound. Still, markets remain cautious as traders weigh risks stemming from Donald Trump’s renewed threats toward Iran ahead of the ultimatum set for Tuesday.
Related Instrument
goTop
quote