Here's What the Futures Markets Are Saying About Oil and the Conflict in the Persian Gulf

It's always a good idea to look at what market data is telling you about the market consensus opinion on a matter, and right now, energy markets and the conflict in the Persian Gulf are front and center of investor concerns. Here's a look at what the oil futures market is saying about the conflict, and what it says about buying stocks like Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and other no-brainer stocks while the Strait of Hormuz isn't fully open for business.

The oil futures market

Futures contracts fix the delivery terms (including the price) for delivery of oil in the future. They usually trade in contango, whereby future prices are higher than the spot price to reflect storage and other costs. The opposite of contango is backwardation, where the spot price trades higher than futures prices, indicating a near-term supply scarcity or at least the fear of it.

As you can see below, the market is firmly in backwardation, reflecting the absence of crude oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. That shouldn't come as a surprise to many investors; after all, almost 34% of the global crude oil trade flows through the strait, according to the International Energy Agency.

Data source: Oilprice.com, as of April 9. Chart by author.

What the oil futures market is also saying

In addition, the shape of the curve effectively implies that the oil market believes the issues are temporary. In other words, the futures market believes there will be a resolution to the conflict that allows energy to flow through the strait again.

It's not hard to be sympathetic to that view, because the U.S. wants the Strait of Hormuz to be open, as do many Asian countries (80% of crude going through the strait goes to Asia). So do European countries who are net energy importers as well as the countries of the Arabian peninsula that export energy through the strait. And Iran's 10-point peace plan acknowledges the reopening of the strait, at least in some form.

As such, the oil futures market appears to be pricing in only a temporary disruption.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why it's bullish for energy stocks

If you believe the optimism in the futures markets is mirrored in the equity markets, then there's a strong case for arguing that energy stocks remain highly attractive. The reality is, despite the agreed temporary ceasefire, the overall conflict is a long way from resolution, as are the terms of agreement on a full reopening of the strait. That's not even to mention the question of shipping companies obtaining insurance to transit the strait in the future, or the damage done to energy infrastructure in the region.

History suggests staying invested during difficult times, but it makes sense to increase an allocation to energy stocks in the current environment.

Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.