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Crude oil’s uneasy path toward 2030 and the opportunities it presents

Key takeaways

  • The IEA’s shift away from near‑term peak‑demand narratives highlights a structurally tighter long‑term outlook, with depletion of 6–8 mb/d per year driving the need for sustained upstream investment. 
  • The projected 2026 surplus looks overstated, with the futures curve showing little evidence of a deep or prolonged glut, suggesting the soft patch is cyclical rather than structural.
  • Spare capacity is narrowing as Saudi Arabia and the UAE operate closer to their limits, while non‑OPEC+ growth—especially US shale—is flattening, raising the market’s sensitivity to price signals.
  • Integrated oil majors and energy‑focused ETFs offer attractively valued ways to position for structurally higher prices, combining income with leverage to a tighter supply environment.

The oil market is entering 2026 with an unusual mix of short-term comfort and long-term unease. On the surface, supply looks ample. Inventories have risen, demand growth has cooled, and parts of the curve trade with enough softness to keep macro-focused traders relaxed. But beneath that veneer sits a deeper structural tension that has only grown clearer over recent months: the world still needs large volumes of new oil supply well into the coming decades, and current price levels are probably not sufficient to incentivise it.

This tension is visible already in how the market is treating next year’s supposed surplus. The IEA’s projection of a potential 4 mb/d oversupply in 2026 has stirred debate, but it remains hard to find evidence of such a large overhang in actual market pricing. A genuine glut would normally force the futures curve into a deep contango, boost storage economics and generate visible stock buildups across major hubs. For now, the curve remains relatively flat, not flipping into a contango until October next year, suggesting that while Q1 may feel heavy as the market digests the inventory overhang built in late 2025, it is not pricing a structural oversupply. In other words, a soft patch is likely, but not a repeat of the 2020–21 imbalance.

The more consequential development is the IEA’s important shift on demand. Only a few quarters ago, the agency frequently emphasised scenarios where oil demand peaked before 2030. Its latest long-term outlook is a clear departure from that thinking: absent highly aggressive policy changes, global oil demand is now projected to keep rising well beyond 2040 and potentially approaching 2050. The revision is material, because it forces the market to reconcile two competing facts: the world is still consuming around 102–103 mb/d, and existing fields are declining at a relentless pace of 6–8 mb/d each year.

That depletion rate is the most powerful force in the market, and easily the least appreciated. It effectively means the global industry must replace a “new Saudi Arabia” every couple of years just to hold production steady. When viewed through that lens, the notion of a future surplus looks increasingly fragile. In essence, the IEA sees a massive and rapid drop in supply by the early 2030s if the industry fails to invest an estimated $500 billion per year just to maintain current output levels. That gap is the core of the long-term price story: unless the market rewards investment today, it will be forced to cope with scarcity tomorrow. 

 

OPEC crude oil production and spare capacity

Spare capacity offers only limited reassurance. Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain the only major producers able to raise output at short notice, and both are now operating closer to their expanded capacity levels, naturally reducing the available buffer. The market’s real vulnerability emerges if non‑OPEC+ production slows, particularly in the Americas. Brazil and Guyana have been important growth engines, but their expansion profiles will eventually mature, while US shale output—resilient at around 10.6 mb/d—is beginning to show signs of levelling off. 

That matters because shale has functioned as the world’s “just-in-time” supplier for a decade. If it loses that role, the entire system becomes more reliant on a narrow set of producers—and therefore more sensitive to price signals. Growth of roughly 360 kb/d over the past year is unlikely to be repeated, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration expecting total US production to flatten in 2026 and potentially in my opinion decline should WTI spend another year below USD 60.

The so-called wildcards—Iran, Russia and Venezuela—do little to ease the picture. Russia is constrained by sanctions, technology access and declining upstream productivity. Venezuela has vast resources but lacks the infrastructure, political stability and capital to restore production meaningfully in the near term. Iran is the only producer with measurable upside, having demonstrated output near 3.8 mb/d in the past versus around 3.4 mb/d today. Even if it regained that capacity, the additional volumes would be marginal relative to the annual depletion rate, not to mention the medium-term demand outlook.

Taken together, these dynamics frame 2026 not as a year of surplus comfort, but as a year where the seeds of future tightness are planted. A temporary dip in prices would not be surprising in Q1, but it would represent short-term noise rather than long-term equilibrium. The structural reality is simple: the world will require sustained investment to prevent a supply crunch in the early 2030s, and that investment only materialises if prices remain high enough to justify long-cycle commitments.

The market must therefore choose between two paths. It can allow prices to firm gradually—supporting the drilling, upstream expansion and long‑cycle projects required over the coming decade—or it can risk far sharper price increases later as scarcity becomes the dominant driver. Even with a short‑term overhang, deferring investment only amplifies future tightness. The core message is not that a surplus looms in 2026, but that meeting future demand requires a sustainably higher price environment. The earlier that price signal appears, the lower the eventual peak is likely to be. A disorderly surge in crude prices benefits no one, especially producers depending on crude production as their main revenue generator as it accelerates the shift toward alternatives, tightens financial conditions and risks renewed inflation alongside slower growth.

Brent Crude oil trades relatively cheap, just below its 10-year average - Source: Saxo

Trading the long-term squeeze: positioning for higher oil prices

For investors looking to position for structurally higher crude, the integrated oil majors remain the most direct and liquid route. The sector continues to trade at modest valuations relative to broader equity markets, with earnings multiples still discounting a world where long‑term oil demand stagnates. The IEA’s shift away from early peak‑demand narratives challenges that assumption, and the combination of low valuations and strong free cash flow makes the majors natural beneficiaries of a firmer price environment.

The five largest integrated producers—ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, BP and TotalEnergies—offer diversified exposure across upstream, downstream and low‑carbon assets. Their upstream operations provide leverage to rising crude, while refining and marketing divisions help stabilise earnings. With disciplined capex and an emphasis on dividends and buybacks, these companies are well‑positioned if crude prices strengthen in line with the structural outlook.

For broader exposure, investors can consider energy‑focused ETFs. XLE and IOGP provide large‑cap integrated and upstream coverage, while XOP offers a higher‑beta alternative via exploration and production companies. These instruments offer diversified, liquid exposure to a sector that remains attractively priced relative to both historical norms and other commodity‑linked industries.

If the market shifts toward a higher and more durable price regime—as supply‑demand fundamentals suggest—the energy equity complex offers a balanced way to participate, combining income with leverage to a structurally tighter crude market.

Examples of oil and gas majors for inspiration, not a recommendation
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Ole HansenHead of Commodity StrategySaxo Bank
Topics: Commodities Trump Version 2 - Traders Inflation Thought Starters Crude Oil OPEC Energy (Sector) Theme - Oil and gas majors Oil and Gas

Monthly technical analysis and forecast for December 2025

In this monthly technical analysis, we examine key chart patterns and levels for the EURUSD, USDJPY, GBPUSD, AUDUSD, USDCAD pairs, gold (XAUUSD), and Brent crude oil to forecast potential developments for December 2025.

Major technical levels to watch in December 2025

  • EURUSD: Support 1.1470, 1.1400. Resistance 1.1616, 1.1720
  • USDJPY: Support 154.90, 151.90. Resistance 158.00, 161.00
  • GBPUSD: Support 1.2888, 1.2580. Resistance 1.3300, 1.3400
  • AUDUSD: Support 0.6370, 0.6200. Resistance 0.6550, 0.6600
  • USDCAD: Support 1.3970, 1.3900. Resistance 1.4160, 1.4270
  • Gold (XAUUSD): Support: 4140, 4070. Resistance: 4285, 4400
  • Brent: Support: 60.00, 59.00. Resistance: 69.10, 78.30

EURUSD forecast

Two key forces shape December for the currency market:

  1. structural pressure on the dollar due to US fiscal policy.
  2. mounting economic strain within the eurozone related to energy and seasonal factors.

US

Despite aggressive tariff measures and the administration’s attempts to increase revenues, the chronic deficit remains the dominant risk factor. Rising debt burdens and the constant need for borrowing create medium-term preconditions for dollar weakness, although in the short term, the USD retains support due to high yields and safe-haven status.

Eurozone

By year-end, pressure on the economy rises due to:

  • increased seasonal expenditures in the energy sector, amplified by a cold winter;
  • deepening political tensions within the bloc over the budget and support for energy programs;
  • a rising probability of a recession scenario in several core EU countries.

This imbalance makes the euro vulnerable and supports the development of deeper downside waves.

Overall, December’s fundamental backdrop favours a bearish EURUSD model, despite the US long-term fiscal weaknesses.

EURUSD technical analysis

On the weekly chart, the EURUSD pair continues to develop the first structure in the first downward wave of the entire long-term trend.

Current wave configuration

  • First downward wave: 1.0200
  • Second corrective wave: 1.1040
  • Pivot point of the entire downward wave: 1.0200
  • Third wave (estimated target): 0.9330
  • Fourth correction: return to 1.0200
  • Fifth wave: target of 0.8500

During December, the market is developing the structure of the first downward wave with a medium-term target at 1.1222.

Expectations for December:

  • decline to 1.1400
  • correction towards 1.1550 (testing from below)
  • continued decline to 1.1222

This structure matches the estimated model of the downtrend shown on the chart.

EURUSD forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bearish (baseline) scenario: the winter season increases pressure on the eurozone economy, with rising energy costs, industrial slowdown, and political disagreements giving the dollar an edge despite US problems.

Activation conditions:

  • rebound from the 1.1616 resistance area
  • a confident breakout below the 1.1500 support level

Downside targets:

  • key target of the first wave: 1.1222
  • possible wave extension: 1.1040

The market may decline fairly briskly if EU data deteriorates faster.

Bullish (alternative, but unlikely) scenario: US fiscal problems gradually undermine dollar resilience. The budget deficit grows, and tariff policy delivers less benefit than expected.

Activation conditions:

A confident breakout and consolidation above 1.1720.

Upside targets:

  • 1.1820
  • correction back to 1.1720
  • development of an impulse to 1.2000

The probability of this scenario remains low while the euro is constrained by fundamental weaknesses.

USDJPY forecast

The dollar remains supported by expectations of tighter US fiscal policy and an increased need for external financing. The market closely watches the Bank of Japan’s response: despite reduced purchase volumes, the BoJ maintains ultra-loose policy parameters, creating a stable yield differential in favor of the dollar.

Amid instability in US debt markets and rising geopolitical risks, demand for the USD as a safe-haven asset increases. Japan’s domestic data remains mixed: moderate wage growth does not offset the industrial slowdown, lowering the likelihood of aggressive central-bank actions.

Thus, the fundamental backdrop continues to support the USDJPY pair within a medium-term uptrend.

USDJPY technical analysis

The USDJPY pair formed a wide consolidation range around 151.90 and broke out upwards, confirming the formation of an impulse in the fifth upward wave.

At the moment, the local target of the growth structure at 157.77 has been reached, and the breakout of the weekly SMA50 and consolidation above it formed a pivot point for the fifth wave.

In December, a corrective move towards 154.90 is possible, with the price testing the previously broken range boundary from above.

After the correction completes, growth is expected to continue towards 158.00; a breakout above this level would open the path to the next estimated target of the third wave within the fifth – 161.00.

The main target of the fifth wave in the uptrend remains at 163.33.

USDJPY forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bullish (baseline) scenario: the breakout above the 151.70–151.90 range has already opened the way to the target of the third wave within the fifth – 161.00.

If the momentum strengthens, with sustained consolidation above 158.00 and rising volumes, the market can head towards 163.33, the main target of the fifth wave.

Bearish (alternative) scenario: if the market forms a sustained breakout and consolidation below 154.90, this will signal another move of the corrective wave.

In this case, a decline back to the key 151.90 support level is expected.

GBPUSD forecast

In December, the fundamental outlook for the British pound remains mixed.

Key focus points:

  • Inflation dynamics in the UK – expectations of inflation acceleration weigh on the consumer sector but support the probability of higher rates for longer than in the US
  • Bank of England policy – the regulator maintains a hawkish tone, preventing a deep GBP sell-off; however, the market is pricing the start of rate cuts in Q1 2026
  • US dollar – focus on the Trump administration’s hawkish rhetoric towards trade partners and the search for additional budget revenues. This leads to periodic increases in USD volatility
  • Geopolitics – localised risks in Europe and rising tensions in the Caribbean create heightened USD demand during stress periods, potentially increasing pressure on the GBP

Taken together, the fundamentals point to limited upside potential for the GBPUSD pair and elevated risks of the downtrend resuming towards mid-month.

GBPUSD technical analysis

On the weekly chart, the GBPUSD pair formed a wide consolidation range around the key 1.3150 level and broke out upwards, opening potential for short-term growth. The pair has reached the local upside target of 1.3260. The market may then form a corrective move down to retest 1.3150 from above. After the retest, another attempt up to 1.3300 is not excluded – this is the final target of the corrective wave. Then, once the corrective structure ends, a reversal downwards and continuation of the trend wave lower are expected:

  • first target: 1.2888
  • prospective target: 1.2570

The overall technical picture indicates weak bullish potential in early December and significant bearish risks towards mid-month.

GBPUSD forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bearish (baseline) scenario: a breakout below 1.3140 has opened the potential to develop a downside wave:

  • targets: 1.2888 and 1.2580

Any local upside attempts can at any moment end with a sharp sell-off — a trend-continuation phase.

Bullish (alternative) scenario: alternative scenario (bullish, unlikely)

An upside impulse with a breakout above 1.3220, confirmed by rising volumes, will open the path to 1.3300 as the final target of the corrective wave before a possible new decline.

AUDUSD forecast

In December, the AUDUSD performance will be shaped by commodity markets, RBA and Fed policy, and external geopolitical volatility.

Key factors of the month:

  1. Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) policy

The RBA maintains hawkish rhetoric due to structural services inflation, but the market is increasingly pricing in a pause in H1 2026.

Weak domestic consumption and a cooling real-estate market limit the RBA’s scope for further rate hikes.

  1. US Federal Reserve

December typically increases USD volatility on the back of expected FOMC comments regarding the 2026 cycle. The Fed keeps rates at a peak level, while the market considers cuts closer to Q2–Q3 2026. The USD retains moderate support thanks to year-end capital repatriation and high Treasury yields.

  1. Commodity markets (a key factor for the AUD)

Pressure on commodity prices (especially iron ore and copper) limits demand for the Australian dollar. China shows slowing recovery momentum, reducing export demand – traditionally negative for the AUD.

An additional driver is high volatility in energy markets amid geopolitical uncertainty. The fundamental combination remains moderately bearish for the AUD, in line with the priority technical downside scenario.

AUDUSD technical analysis

On the weekly chart, the AUDUSD pair continues to develop a broad consolidation range around 0.6540 while remaining in a medium-term downtrend.

Key expectations for December:

  1. Immediate movement structure

In December, a downward move towards 0.6370 is expected – the first nearby target in the current wave. After reaching this level, a corrective pullback to 0.6530 (testing of the consolidation level from below) is possible.

  1. Medium-term direction

Once the correction ends, a new downside wave is expected to develop, with the next target at 0.6200, a key support level. The main target in the developing downward wave is 0.5880, where an important medium-term support lies, as shown on the chart. The current structure of the downward wave and its sequence fully align with the pattern on the weekly chart.

AUDUSD forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bearish (baseline) scenario: a breakout below 0.6480 opened the door to the first wave towards 0.6370. If volatility in commodity markets intensifies, a faster move towards 0.5880 – the main target zone of the downward wave – is possible.

Bullish (alternative) scenario: a breakout above the 0.6580 resistance level would cancel the nearest downside wave and launch another upside structure towards 0.6700, 0.6780, and 0.6850, although the probability of this scenario in December remains low.

USDCAD forecast

In December, the USDCAD market remains under the influence of several key factors:

  1. US Federal Reserve policy

Expectations regarding the rate path remain mixed. Slowing inflation at the end of the year increases speculation about a possible easing cycle in 2026; however, Fed officials maintain hawkish rhetoric, supporting the dollar.

  1. Canada’s economic indicators

Slower GDP growth, weaker business activity, and a soft construction sector limit CAD’s upside potential. The Bank of Canada keeps a cautious tone and stands ready to move towards easing if necessary.

  1. Commodity factor (oil)

Despite attempts by oil prices to recover, pressure from globally slowing demand limits support for the Canadian currency. The oil market remains volatile, adding uncertainty to USDCAD dynamics.

The fundamental backdrop is moderately bullish for the dollar, supporting the base scenario of continued USDCAD gains.

USDCAD technical analysis

On the weekly chart, the market broke 1.4070 and formed a consolidation range around this mark. In December, the pair is expected to break above the range within the first upward wave, targeting 1.4270. Thereafter, a corrective move down to 1.3900 is likely – this will form the second wave. After the correction ends, a new upward wave is expected with a local target of 1.4690 and the main trend target of 1.4850. The overall structure indicates a continued medium-term bullish trend after a local pause.

USDCAD forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bullish (baseline) scenario: a breakout and consolidation above the 1.4070 area confirms further development of the upward structure with targets at 1.4160 and 1.4270. The bullish structure remains intact while the price is above the SMA50.

Bearish (alternative) scenario: a breakout and consolidation below 1.3970 on rising volumes will open the way to continued downward movement towards 1.3900.

XAUUSD forecast

The gold market enters December amid persistently elevated demand for safe-haven assets. Participants continue to assess prospects for US monetary policy in 2026. Expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts remain moderate, keeping gold at high levels.

Geopolitical risks and record gold purchases by global central banks in recent quarters add to volatility. Bond-market yields have stabilised, easing pressure on the precious metal.

Overall, the fundamental backdrop remains mixed, but with a modest tilt toward price support. Safe-haven demand and official-sector interest offset short-term correction risks.

XAUUSD technical analysis

On the weekly chart, the market continues to develop a broad consolidation range around 4,140. In terms of structure, the market is forming a classic Triangle at the top of the previous upside impulse.

In December, prices are expected to rise towards the local target at 4,285, followed by a possible correction towards 4,070.

If quotes move below 4,070, the Triangle’s range will be broken to the downside, opening bearish potential first to 3,844, with scope to extend the correction to 3,660 as the structure expands. If the range breaks upwards, the market will be able to continue its upward momentum towards 4,555, which will be viewed as development of the triangle’s upper branch and continuation of the global trend.

Thus, the market is in an accumulation phase before a directional move, with the key boundaries of the range to determine subsequent price behaviour.

XAUUSD forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bullish (baseline) scenario: a breakout and consolidation above 4,140 confirms potential for a rise to 4,285 with scope to refresh the high towards 4,400–4,555.

Bearish (alternative) scenario: a breakout below the 4,070 level will start a corrective wave with targets at 3,844 and, if the impulse strengthens, 3,660.

Brent forecast

The oil market continues to balance between constrained supply and uneven demand. The main drivers remain:

  • OPEC+ decisions on production quotas
  • dynamics of global industrial activity
  • geopolitical risks in the Middle East and along key shipping routes
  • the level of US strategic reserves and the pace of their replenishment

In December, market participants are guided by expectations of moderate quota tightening while keeping the cartel’s key price near 100 USD.

Brent technical analysis

On the weekly chart, Brent has completed a corrective wave and started to develop the first structure of an upward impulse within the fifth wave of the uptrend. The rise is directed towards 69.10, the nearest target of the first structure. The current move is viewed as part of the first wave within the fifth, with an estimated target of 78.30.

In December, prices could reach this level, after which the market may form a corrective move towards the 69.00 area. The five-wave structure of further trend growth is marked on the chart. The long-term trend target is 104.00, with intermediate consolidation zones.

Brent forecast scenarios for December 2025

Bullish (baseline) scenario: if prices hold above 69.00 and the geopolitical backdrop remains tense, a breakout above the 81.00 zone can accelerate growth towards the 94.00 target, with further potential to 104.00. The 100 level remains strategically important for OPEC+ and may guide quota adjustments.

Bearish (alternative) scenario: in the absence of progress from OPEC+ and amid weak global macroeconomic data, a return to the broader range around 60.00 is possible. A deeper decline to 59.00 is also not excluded.

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