Welcome to the Fuel Matters Blog

Earlier today, China announced tariff hikes on $75 billion worth of U.S. products as a retaliatory measure against President Trump’s latest tariff message.  China has decided to apply tariffs ranging from 5% to 10% on the $75 billion worth of products in two rounds.  The first round of tariffs will take effect on September 1, while the second round will commence on December 15.  The state council released a statement saying, “In response to the measures by the U.S., China was forced to take countermeasures.  The Chinese hopes that the U.S. will continue to follow the consensus of the Osaka meeting, return to the correct track of consultation and resolve differences, and work hard with China to end the goal of ending economic and trade frictions.”  The stock market and bond yields fell sharply this morning following the announcement.

Another commodity trading year is upon us and New Year’s resolutions across the western hemisphere are cloaked with purpose and resoluteness.  Many have vowed to exercise more, eat healthy and save money.  Even though only about 8 percent of these New Year’s resolution ambitionists persevere with their said goals, it is nonetheless a feeling of excitement and optimism of what might be.  Market participants in the energy sector are most likely seeking that same sensation of excitement for less volatility and more stable prices, more clarity in supply/demand across the globe, transparency with trade talks/tariffs, pellucidity with Iran sanctions and possibly a reverse course in actions to avoid a further global slowdown or even a recession.  If, however, the first 2 trading days of 2019 for the WTI futures contract for February delivery price action is any indication of what lies ahead, we are in for more of the same rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, high volatility and event risk price movements.  The first trading day of the year brought on an intraday range of $3.43 a barrel or a 7.18% intraday move.  Today, as of 12:30pm EST, we have already seen a 4.51% move or a $2.14 a barrel intraday trading range.