Get started

Futures market

What Is the Difference Between Brent and WTI Crude OilWhat Is the Difference Between Brent and WTI Crude Oil for Traders? Brent Crude and WTI are two of the most important oil benchmarks in the world, influencing global markets and trading strategies. While both represent high-quality crude, they differ in origin, composition, pricing, and market dynamics. This article explores questions like “What is Brent Crude?”, “What is WTI Crude?”, and “What is the difference between Brent and crude oil from West Texas?”, helping traders navigate their unique characteristics. Brent Oil vs Crude Oil from West Texas Brent Crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) are two primary benchmarks in the global oil market, each representing distinct qualities and origins. What Is Brent Crude Oil? Brent Crude originates from the North Sea, encompassing oil from fields between the United Kingdom and Norway, like Brent, Forties, Oseberg, Ekofisk, and Troll. This region's offshore production benefits from direct access to sea routes, facilitating efficient transportation to international markets. The North Sea's strategic location allows Brent Crude to serve as a global pricing benchmark and influence oil prices worldwide. This blend is slightly heavier and contains more sulphur compared to WTI. Despite this, Brent Crude is extensively traded and serves as a pricing reference for about two-thirds of the world's oil contracts, primarily on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). What Is WTI Crude Oil? West Texas Intermediate is primarily sourced from US oil fields in Texas, North Dakota, and Louisiana. The landlocked nature of these production sites means that WTI relies heavily on an extensive network of pipelines and storage facilities for distribution. A key hub for WTI is Cushing, Oklahoma, which serves as a central point for oil storage and pricing. This infrastructure supports WTI's role as a benchmark for US oil prices. Known for its lightness and low sulphur content, West Texas Crude is ideal for refining into gasoline and other high-demand products. WTI serves as a major benchmark for oil prices in the United States and is the underlying commodity for the New York Mercantile Exchange's (NYMEX) oil futures contract. Brent and WTI Crude Oil CFDs Most retail traders interact with Brent and WTI through Contracts for Difference (CFDs) instead of futures contracts. CFDs enable traders to speculate on price fluctuations without having to own the underlying physical oil. Instead, they open buy and sell positions and take advantage of the difference in the price from the time the contract is opened to when it’s closed. This makes CFDs a popular choice for retail traders looking to make the most of short-term price fluctuations in oil without the complexities of physical ownership, storage, or delivery. CFDs also offer leverage, allowing traders to control larger positions with smaller capital. You can trade Brent and WTI crude oil at FXOpen with tight spreads and low commissions! Check the recent oil prices at the TickTrader trading platform. Quality and Composition Differences Brent Crude is classified as a light, sweet crude oil. It has an API gravity of approximately 38 degrees, indicating a relatively low density. Its sulphur content is about 0.37%, making it less sweet compared to WTI. Brent's composition is well-suited for refining into diesel fuel and gasoline, which are in high demand globally. But what is WTI like? Known for its superior quality, WTI boasts an API gravity of around 39.6 degrees, making it lighter than Brent. Its sulphur content is approximately 0.24%, classifying it as a sweeter crude. This lower sulphur content simplifies the refining process, allowing for the production of higher yields of gasoline and other high-value products. These differences in API gravity and sulphur content are significant for refiners. Lighter, sweeter crudes like WTI are generally more desirable because they require less processing to meet environmental standards and produce a higher proportion of valuable end products. However, the choice between Brent and WTI can also depend on regional availability, refinery configurations, and specific product demand. Trading Volumes and Market Liquidity Brent Crude and WTI both see significant trading volumes, but they differ in terms of their market liquidity and global reach. As mentioned above, Brent Crude is widely traded on international markets, and it serves as the pricing benchmark for roughly two-thirds of the world's oil contracts. Its broad appeal comes from being a global benchmark, which makes it highly liquid in global exchanges like ICE Futures Europe. This high liquidity means traders can buy and sell contracts with relative ease, often with tighter spreads. As a result, it’s popular among traders looking for high-volume, internationally-influenced oil exposure. On the other hand, WTI is primarily traded in the US through exchanges like the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange). While still highly liquid, WTI's trading volumes tend to be more concentrated within the US market. Despite this, it remains a crucial benchmark, especially for traders focusing on the US oil industry. Its close ties to the domestic market mean liquidity can be slightly more affected by US-specific factors. Pricing Influences and Differences Between Brent and WTI The geographic focus and market influence distinguish WTI Crude vs Brent oil. Brent is a globally traded benchmark, making it more reactive to international forces, while WTI’s market is more US-centric, with pricing heavily influenced by domestic factors and energy dynamics. Therefore, Brent Crude and WTI often trade at different prices, with Brent Crude typically priced higher. This price difference, known as the Brent-WTI spread, reflects the varying dynamics between global and US markets. Traders keep a close eye on this spread, as it signals the relative strength of international versus US oil markets. Price Influences for Brent Crude - Geopolitical events: Brent is highly sensitive to tensions or conflicts in major oil-producing regions like the Middle East and North Africa. Any disruptions to supply routes or production in these areas can cause its prices to spike. - OPEC+ decisions: Since many OPEC+ members produce oil that influences Brent’s pricing, their decisions on production cuts or increases have a direct impact on its price. A reduction in global output typically raises prices. - Global shipping and transport logistics: Brent is traded internationally, so shipping costs, potential blockages in transport routes (e.g., the Strait of Hormuz), and other logistics play a role in price movements. - Global energy demand: Trends in global demand, especially from key regions like Europe and Asia, affect pricing. For instance, economic growth in these regions tends to push prices higher. Price Influences for WTI - US shale oil production: WTI is highly responsive to the levels of US shale oil output. When production surges, oversupply can put downward pressure on prices. - US oil inventory levels: Key storage hubs like Cushing, Oklahoma, are crucial for pricing. Rising inventory levels signal oversupply, which typically lowers prices, while declining inventories may indicate higher demand and push prices up. - Pipeline and transportation infrastructure: Bottlenecks in US oil pipelines or delays in transportation can influence WTI pricing. For instance, limited capacity in pipelines can restrict oil flow to refineries, leading to fluctuations in prices. - Domestic energy policies: Government regulations, taxes, or subsidies affecting US energy production can impact prices, with changes in drilling activity or environmental policies influencing supply levels. Which Oil Should Traders Choose? When deciding between WTI vs Brent, traders consider their market focus, trading strategy, and the factors driving each benchmark. Here’s an overview of what might help you choose: 1. Geopolitical Focus - Brent Crude is more sensitive to global geopolitical events, making it a strong choice for traders who focus on international markets. If you analyse global tensions, OPEC+ decisions, or international energy policies, Brent is likely more relevant. - WTI is less influenced by global events and more driven by US domestic factors. Traders focused on US politics, infrastructure, and energy policies may find WTI a better fit. 2. Market Liquidity and Trading Volume - Brent Crude is widely traded across global exchanges, giving it strong liquidity. It’s ideal for traders who prefer access to international markets and global trading volumes. Its liquidity also makes it attractive for those trading larger volumes or seeking tighter spreads. - WTI has high liquidity as well, but it’s more concentrated in US markets. This makes it better suited for traders with a specific interest in US oil dynamics. 3. Price Volatility - Brent Crude tends to react more to geopolitical shocks, meaning it can experience more volatility from global crises. Traders looking for opportunities driven by international supply disruptions or geopolitical risks might prefer Brent. - WTI is typically influenced by domestic production and inventory levels, which can result in different volatility patterns. US-focused traders or those tracking domestic shale oil production often gravitate toward WTI for its more region-specific volatility. 4. Regional Focus - Brent Crude is favoured by traders who have a global outlook or trade oil products tied to European, Asian, or African markets. - WTI is a solid choice for traders interested in US oil markets or those who rely on data from domestic US reports like the EIA. The Bottom Line In summary, understanding the differences between Brent Crude and WTI is crucial for traders analysing global oil markets. Both benchmarks offer unique opportunities depending on your trading strategy and market focus, whether you prefer the global influence of Brent or the US-centric dynamics of WTI. To get started with Brent and WTI CFDs, consider opening an FXOpen account for access to these key markets alongside low-cost trading conditions. FAQ Why Is Oil Called Brent Crude? Brent Crude gets its name from the Brent oil field located in the North Sea, discovered by Shell in the 1970s. The name "Brent" was derived from a naming convention based on birds—specifically, the Brent goose. Over time, it’s become the benchmark for oil produced in the North Sea, now serving as a global pricing standard for much of the world's oil supply. What Does WTI Stand For? WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate. It refers to a grade of crude oil that is primarily produced in the United States, specifically from oil fields in Texas, North Dakota, and surrounding regions. WTI is one of the key benchmarks for oil pricing, particularly in North America. Is Brent Crude Sweet or Sour? Brent Crude is considered a light, sweet crude oil. It has a low sulphur content, making it easier to refine into high-value products like gasoline and diesel. However, it contains slightly more sulphur than WTI, which is why it's marginally classified as less sweet. Why Is Brent Always More Expensive Than WTI? Brent is often more expensive than WTI due to its global demand and greater sensitivity to geopolitical risks. Brent is influenced by international factors, including OPEC+ decisions and conflicts in key oil-producing regions, which often lead to supply disruptions. WTI, meanwhile, is more affected by domestic US supply and demand. Is Saudi Oil Brent or WTI? Saudi oil is neither Brent nor WTI. It falls under its own classification, primarily as Arabian Light Crude. However, Brent Crude is often used as a pricing benchmark for oil exports from Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
FXOPEN:XBRUSDEducation
by FXOpen
1
Gold Trend 25/11 - Expect 2nd round of profit taking above 2700 Technical rebound + Russia/Ukraine situation rapidly deteriorated, causing gold prices to rebound strongly over $150 last week. Following the rebound from the week before, the gold price opened at 2562 and quickly reached our target of 2620 early last week. Russia and Ukraine exchanged missiles and Putin eased the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons, boosting the gold price further. By the end of the week, the gold price reached the weekly high of 2715 as the market priced in the risk premium right before the weekend. The gold price retreated sharply back from the weekend, falling to as low as 2658 in the Asian secession on Monday. We can expect the investment market to be relatively quiet this week as Thanksgiving weekend is approaching. Geopolitical situations will continue to dominate the gold trend this week. Since the gold price has surged over 20% from the beginning of the year, as long as the situation in Ukraine does not intensify, the price above 2,700 should be a good opportunity for institutional funds to seize profits from the beginning of the year before the year's end. 1-hr chart (above) > Gold price has entered a horizontal range pattern after it crossed the downward trend resistance line (1) last week. Take advantage of the 2650-2710(2) for now, and pay close attention to the development of the situation in Russia/Ukraine, the market may price in the risk premium once again before the Thanksgiving long weekend! Daily chart (above) > The rapid correction in the Asian session on Monday is causing a reversal signal to appear on the daily chart(3). Wait for the price to close below 2670 on Monday, once the reversal signal is completed, the price should return to 2600 or lower in the next two weeks. Please give us a 🚀 if you like our work! P.To
TVC:GOLD
by 1uptick
Gold Price Technical Analysis (XAU/USD)The attached chart presents a detailed technical analysis of gold prices on the hourly timeframe. The key highlights are as follows: 1. Supply Zone Resistance: Price is currently trading near a supply zone around $2,632.592, where a potential rejection is anticipated. This zone acts as a significant resistance level. 2. Projected Price Movement: Based on the technical setup, a downward price movement is expected after testing the supply zone. The price may decline towards the demand/support zone near $2,590.899 or potentially lower. 3. Key Levels to Watch: Resistance: $2,632.592 and $2,649.935 Support: $2,604.914 and $2,590.899 This analysis is based on current market behavior, and traders should remain cautious of unexpected price fluctuations. Always apply risk management strategies while trading.
TVC:GOLD
by Olivia-Grace
Analysis of gold price trend this week--2630--2680Analysis of gold price trend this week, fluctuation range - 2630-2680 "Gold investors are like gamblers - they just wear nicer suits and call their losses 'portfolio adjustments. Predicting gold prices is like predicting the weather - the weather is less often wrong!'" Williams' gold weather forecast: Theoretical basis: straight lines belong to humans, curves belong to God Obviously, the remarks of Trump and Powell are like Chinese crosstalk. They are singing a double act, Trump plays the red face and Powell plays the black face. Together, they reap the wealth of the world. God's perspective - as shown in the figure: We use the S line to symmetrically divide all trends, and we can draw a clear conclusion: The gold price around 2630 is a normal rebound, but it also means that this wave of market has been digested. Next, the gold price will move out of the new S line: The most likely fluctuation range: 2630-2680 It is obvious: 1: If the gold price falls in the future, it is likely to fully absorb funds at 2630-2680, which means that the gold price will continue to rise in the short term. 2: If the gold price rises in the future, it is likely to stabilize at 2630 and fully adjust, which means that the gold price will continue to rise in the short term. 3: If the gold price fluctuates in the future, from a macro-cycle perspective, it is likely to fluctuate in the range of 2630-2680, which means that the gold price will continue to rise in the short term. Summary of this week: Gold price adopts a low-multiple approach, macro strategy reference: BUY: 2620-2630 SL: 2600 TP: 2680 Specific operations, I will continue to follow up on ideas. If you are interested in my analysis, you can discuss it in the comment area, and I will explain, share and communicate with you one by one
OANDA:XAUUSD
by Brad_Williams
3
Gold is experiencing a massive sell-off, today's market analysisGold fluctuates in a wide range. The hourly chart forms a converging triangle. Pay attention to the range of 2603-2630 to buy low and sell high. The market will be closed early today on Christmas Eve and will be closed all day tomorrow. Gold bulls are powerless, and the main market is still under the control of bears. The gold 1-hour chart hit 2633 twice and was blocked. Then the short-term gold has formed a double top. Gold may fall further. The gold moving average resistance now moves down to around 2632! First support: 2608, second support: 2600, third support: 2588 First resistance: 2620, second resistance: 2632, third resistance: 2646 Trading strategy: BUY: 2603-2601 SELL: 2628-2630
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Jun-GoldAnalyst
World gold prices slightly decreased as the USD increasedHowever, the precious metal is under some pressure as the dollar index rose sharply and US Treasury yields rose slightly. The Conference Board reported on Monday that its US consumer confidence index fell to 104.7, down from a revised 112.8 in November. The reading was weaker than expected, with economists predicting the index would be largely unchanged. “Expectations that consumer confidence would continue to recover were not realized in December, as the index fell back to its two-year average,” said Dana Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board. Gold is struggling to find its way amid the holiday lull, said James Hyerczyk, an analyst at FX Empire. “The Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance and forecast of fewer rate cuts in 2025 are keeping gold under pressure. The precious metal will face key support tests during the holiday week
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by FalCol_TradingMaster
12/24 Gold AnalysisHere are some important levels that I am watching: 2584 - 2608 - 2634 - 2652 - 2664. Todays gameplan for OANDA:XAUUSD : If the gold price CANNOT holds above 2634, I would consider a SELL. Set the Stop Loss at 2635 and aim for the First Profit target at 2619, with the Second Profit target at 2608. If the gold price CANNOT breaks below 2608, I would consider a BUY. Set the Stop Loss at 2603 and aim for the First Profit target at 2619, with the Second Profit target at 2633. Be patient and follow the trend.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by Ombabibi
XAUUSD ANALYSIS Gold Analysis (XAU/USD) – Key Levels to Watch Resistance Zone: The price is facing a strong resistance level in the range of $2,700 - $2,750, where selling pressure has historically been observed. Support Zone: A significant support level is located between $2,500 - $2,550, acting as a strong demand zone. Take-Profit Target: Based on the current structure and price action, a potential take-profit target is identified at $2,719. Market Outlook: Gold has been trading within a defined range, with clear rejections from the resistance zone and bounces from the support zone. The recent breakout suggests the price may move towards the take-profit level if bullish momentum sustains. However, traders should monitor key levels and market conditions closely. Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making trading decisions.
TVC:GOLDLong
by AlphaSignalss
2
GOLD → Short to Medium-Term OutlookDear Traders, Ben here! Recently, gold has been struggling to sustain its peak at $2,633. The bullish momentum for gold has been hindered by several factors, including the Fed's anticipated slowdown in the pace of interest rate cuts moving forward. On the 1H chart, although the uptrend remains supported and the parallel channel has been broken, there are signs of a potential top forming around $2,633. The current support level stands at approximately $2,618. Should this level be breached, it could drive gold into a deeper decline, potentially reaching $2,603.
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Bentradegold
2
#XAUUSDGold (XAU/USD) is currently trading at 2617, showcasing strength in the precious metals market. This price reflects heightened investor interest, possibly driven by geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, or shifts in central bank policies. As a traditional safe-haven asset, gold often benefits during times of economic uncertainty or weakening fiat currencies. A price level of 2617 suggests strong demand, with buyers possibly expecting further upside potential. Traders may also be watching key resistance and support levels closely, as well as macroeconomic indicators like U.S. dollar strength, bond yields, and global risk sentiment. Gold’s performance at this level indicates its role as a hedge against inflation and a store of value in a volatile financial landscape. Future price movement will likely depend on central bank actions, especially the Federal Reserve, as well as any unexpected market shocks.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by SadarExplore
GOLD trading liquidity is low during the Christmas holidayAmid sluggish trading during the holiday season, OANDA:XAUUSD decreased slightly, dragged down by the strength of the US Dollar and high US Treasury bond yields. And the market needs to wait for clearer signals from the Federal Reserve's 2025 monetary policy. Although the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points last week, this signaled fewer rate cuts in 2025, sending gold prices to their lowest since mid-month 11 last week. While non-yielding gold benefits from the low interest rate environment, the market will need to readjust expectations for the year ahead. The Federal Reserve's hawkish stance and fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 have weighed on gold prices, and gold will face pressure during the holiday week. Interest rate cuts initially boosted gold prices, but the Fed's forecast of only two rate cuts by 2025 (down from four in September) sparked a sell-off that sent gold prices to lows. lowest since mid-November. With economic data limited this week due to the Christmas holiday, gold prices are expected to remain in a tight range. Liquidity remains low, reducing volatility and keeping price action subdued. Gold has hit multiple record highs this year and is up 27% year to date, its best annual gain since 2010, thanks to strong central bank buying, geopolitical tensions and monetary policy monetary easing by major banks. President-elect Donald Trump will take office on January 20. The market is about to return to trading in a Donald Trump environment, we cannot forget the trading period when he was in office, how the market fluctuated with his emotions on each line. Analysis of technical prospects for OANDA:XAUUSD On the daily chart, gold continues to maintain activity below the confluence resistance area noted by readers in yesterday's publication at the upper price channel edge and the 0.618% Fibonacci level, to maintain the trend. main discount. While the recovery has been limited, gold is also trading above the $2,613 technical level, and gold could fall a bit further with a target of around $2,591 as it is sold below $2,613. The relative strength index (RSI) is operating below 50, which should be considered a negative signal for the trend of gold prices. During the day, as long as gold remains below the EMA21, the upper price channel edge and the 0.618% Fibonacci, it remains inclined towards a bearish outlook with notable technical points listed as follows. Support: 2,613 – 2,600 – 2,591USD Resistance: 2,634 – 2,643USD SELL XAUUSD PRICE 2646 - 2644⚡️ ↠↠ Stoploss 2650 →Take Profit 1 2639 ↨ →Take Profit 2 2634 BUY XAUUSD PRICE 2594 - 2596⚡️ ↠↠ Stoploss 2590 →Take Profit 1 2601 ↨ →Take Profit 2 2606
OANDA:XAUUSD
by Xayah_trading
XAUUSD: 23/12 Market Analysis and StrategyGold technical analysis Daily resistance 2660, support below 2580 Four-hour resistance 2650, support below 2600 Gold operation suggestions: Last Friday, the overall technical side of gold ushered in a wide range of long and short shocks. After the continuous decline and plunge on Thursday, the previous day, breaking the 2600 mark, it rebounded slightly throughout the day on Friday. It ushered in an accelerated high breakthrough before and after the US market and stood above the 2610 mark to continue the bullish rebound. It closed near 2622 last Friday. Today, gold opened in the Asian session and was not strong. It began to fluctuate. Gold has not had a unilateral market for the time being. From the 4-hour analysis, today's short-term support below is around 2627, focusing on the 2600 first-line support, and the upper pressure is around 2650-60. It is bullish above the 2627 daily level long-short watershed. Because Christmas is coming soon, gold can be bought on dips. BUY:2627near BUY:2622near Technical analysis only provides trading direction!
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by ActuaryJ
Gold price analysis December 23Fundamental Analysis Gold prices held steady near $2,625 in early Asian trading on Monday. The Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance could weigh on the yellow metal. However, a weaker greenback following weaker inflation data could limit the yellow metal’s downside. The Fed cut interest rates at its December meeting as expected but signaled it would slow the pace of further reductions in borrowing costs. The Fed’s dot plot, a chart that projects the future path of interest rates, shows a half-percentage-point cut in rates by 2025, compared to a full percentage-point cut expected in September. This, in turn, further boosts the US Dollar (USD) and weakens USD-denominated gold as higher real interest rates increase the opportunity cost of bullion. Technical Analysis Gold marked a second consecutive bullish rebound today. Although there were some adjustments at the beginning of the Asian session, as long as the correction does not exceed 2605, it is still a buying opportunity worth paying attention to. 2651-2665 are considered the two technical resistance zones of gold price today before it wants to uptrend again and find the peak around 2692. If 2605 is broken, 2657 will be the target of all subsequent downtrends.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by TVS-Trader