Although we had previously been predicting falling mid-year oil prices, all bets will remain firmly off until a clearer picture emerges with respect to Iran. |
Despite our belief that crude prices will slowly trend down over the remainder of the year, further escalation in the U.N.-Iran standoff could quite conceivably send oil to a new record above $70. |
Gold continues to rally on continued U.S. dollar weakness, a trend I expect to continue over the next week. |
It has been clear for a long time now that any such event would send prices skyrocketing given the world's current lack of spare capacity. |
Lower second- and third-quarter demand -- as the northern hemisphere warms, less crude oil is required for heating purposes -- will result in the already over-supplied global crude-oil market becoming increasingly bloated. |
Oil prices dipped half a dollar as many traders looked to book profits, speculating that the previous price rally was an over-reaction to concerns that Iran could use oil as a weapon against the U.N.. |
Prices have been supported by the ongoing geopolitical concerns (particularly Nigeria), colder weather and higher gasoline prices (which are rising on the changing U.S. petroleum-blending specifications). |
The sharp escalation in gold prices over the past year, up more than 40% over the past 12 months, clearly makes gold one of the wisest investment choices of recent times. |