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Join The CommunityThe most commonly traded types of crude oil are West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent Crude. While WTI is primarily produced in the U.S. and serves as a benchmark in North America, Brent Crude, sourced from the North Sea, is used as a benchmark in Europe and other parts of the world.
Brent Crude Oil prices are highly volatile due to factors like geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic reports. For instance, during the Arab Spring in 2011, geopolitical unrest in key oil-producing regions caused a surge in prices due to fears of supply disruptions. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 highlighted how global economic disruptions can lead to drastic price swings, with Brent falling to unprecedented lows.
Additionally, factors such as changes in production levels, OPEC decisions, and unexpected supply disruptions (e.g., natural disasters or political instability) can also contribute to significant price volatility. For example, in early 2020, the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, coupled with the pandemic, led to one of the most volatile periods in oil market history.
Brent Crude Oil is a major trading classification of light, sweet crude oil that serves as a global benchmark for oil prices. It is extracted from oil fields in the North Sea, primarily between the Shetland Islands and Norway. Brent is widely traded and is used to price approximately two-thirds of the world's internationally traded crude oil supplies.
To start trading Brent Crude Oil, you need to open an account with a broker that offers crude oil trading, such as zForex. Once your account is set up and funded, you can use the trading platform to analyze market trends and place orders.
Brent Crude Oil prices have been influenced by various historical events. For instance, during the Arab Spring in 2011, Brent prices surged due to supply disruptions and geopolitical instability in major oil-producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Prices went from around $95 per barrel in early 2011 to over $125 per barrel by April 2011.
Another example is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. As global lockdowns and travel restrictions were implemented, demand for oil plummeted, leading to a sharp decline in Brent prices. In April 2020, Brent crude oil prices fell below $20 per barrel, a level not seen in decades, due to the dramatic drop in global demand.
Brent Crude Oil prices are influenced by factors such as global supply and demand, geopolitical events, OPEC policies, and market speculation. For example, in 2011, during the Arab Spring, supply disruptions caused by geopolitical instability led to a significant spike in prices. Brent Crude traded at over $125 per barrel in April 2011, up from around $95 per barrel at the beginning of the year.
Another instance is the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In April 2020, Brent prices fell to below $20 per barrel as global lockdowns drastically reduced demand. This severe drop in demand led to an oversupply of oil, and with storage capacities maxed out, prices plunged.
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