Al Ghais: World Oil Outlook to be Launched in Riyadh for its Pioneering Role in Market Stability

A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo
A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo
TT

Al Ghais: World Oil Outlook to be Launched in Riyadh for its Pioneering Role in Market Stability

A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo
A 3D-printed oil pump jack is seen in front of displayed OPEC logo in this illustration picture, April 14, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/File Photo

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will launch the 17th edition of its World Oil Outlook (WOO) on Monday in Riyadh at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC).

Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, will participate as a special guest of honor.

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais will deliver the opening remarks, followed by a video outlining the publication’s key messages.

“The World Oil Outlook demonstrates OPEC’s long-standing commitment to market stability through knowledge sharing and data transparency. The quality of the publication serves as a testament to the excellence of those involved in its production, including Member Countries’ officials and experts, and OPEC Secretariat specialists. We are confident that this year’s edition continues to contribute to a better understanding of the global oil and energy markets and industry developments,” Al Ghais said.

“It is appropriate that this edition is launched in Riyadh in view of the leadership role Saudi Arabia has played to help bring stability and balance to global oil markets”, the Secretary-General added.

First published in 2007, the WOO is one of the Organization’s flagship publications. It provides an in-depth review and analysis of the global oil and energy industries and offers assessments of various scenarios in the medium- and long-term development of the oil sector.

The WOO also presents insights into related key issues, including supply and demand, investment, the potential impact of policies and sustainable development, and a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the global oil and energy industries.



Gold Hits One-month High as Prospects for Fed Cuts Rise on Softer US Inflation Data

Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday - File Photo
Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday - File Photo
TT

Gold Hits One-month High as Prospects for Fed Cuts Rise on Softer US Inflation Data

Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday - File Photo
Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday - File Photo

Gold prices firmed near one-month highs hit earlier on Thursday after a softer-than-expected core US inflation print increased chances of two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, with the first likely in June.

Spot gold gained 0.3% to $2,704.56 per ounce as of 0934 GMT after hitting its highest level since Dec. 12 earlier in the session. US gold futures gained 0.7% to $2,736.50.

Further gains in safe-haven bullion were, however, limited as Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and heightened Middle East tensions, according to Reuters.

Gold rallied to multiple-record highs and is still up nearly 50% since the war began in October 2023.

"Although de-escalating geopolitical tensions can dilute demand for safe havens, bullion is still holding on to most of its post-CPI gains, suggesting that the Fed rate outlook remains the primary driver for gold prices," said Exinity Group chief market analyst Han Tan.

"Gold should find itself in a supportive environment, so long as market participants can hold on to expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2025."

Interest rate futures traders are pricing in near-even odds that the Fed would reduce rates twice by the end of this year, with the first reduction to come in June. Before the inflation data on Wednesday, futures were only pricing a single quarter-point interest-rate cut in 2025.

Core US inflation increased 0.2% in December after rising 0.3% for four straight months.

Central bank officials noted US inflation continues to ease after Wednesday's data, but foresee uncertainty due to anticipated Trump administration policies.

Investors are worried that the potential for tariffs after Donald Trump re-enters the White House next week could stoke inflation and limit the Fed's ability to lower rates to a greater extent.

Non-yielding bullion, a hedge against inflation, loses its appeal with higher interest rates.

Elsewhere, spot silver rose 0.7% to $30.87 per ounce and platinum firmed 0.6% to $944.23, while palladium fell 0.8% to $953.49.