“Brent Crude”

Refining Margins and Metals Stocks: Under-the-Radar Levers

Refining Margins and Metals Stocks: Under-the-Radar Levers

As global equity traders fixate on megacap tech and monetary policy, the industrial commodity markets are screaming red alerts. Crack spreads – refiners’ key profit metric – have surged 45% since January, demolishing seasonal patterns. Meanwhile, metals exchange inventories have collapsed to levels not seen since the 2008 financial crisis, with copper stocks dropping a staggering 35% since November.

Oil Supply Fears and Market Dynamics

Oil Supply Fears and Market Dynamics

The energy market’s plumbing is cracking at precisely the wrong moment. With Brent crude surging past $92.50/barrel on Middle East tensions, trading volumes in major energy futures have plummeted 23% below their 5-year average. Market depth – the ability to execute large trades without moving prices – has deteriorated to levels not seen since the 2020 oil crash.