Oil Prices & Ramifications

Even though we saw US$93.80 for oil, in real terms, the price is not an all time high as its still below its all-time inflation-adjusted high of US$101.70 back in April 1980. However, Crude has climbed 47.3% over the past 52 weeks, and since 2001, it is up 511%, from US$18 to US$93. We have examined the reasons why & potential ramifications, here's a repeat:

a) Increasing Global Demand: Booming growth in China and most of Asia-Pacific. Add India, Korea, Russia, Brazil, and Australia to the equation as well. Even old E.U. is moving in the right direction.

b) Correcting U.S. Dollar: The dollar is at 15 year lows versus a basket of currencies. The Fed is engineering a cheaper US stocks scenario amidst credit problems in the US. The correction in USD is reflecting itself in oil prices.

c) Under Invested: We are reaping the consequences as many big oil companies and state controlled firms have under invested to replenish natural production declines.

d) Money Supply Growth: What we are seeing is not just oil prices but almost every single commodity. The growth machinery cited above coupled with aggressive money supply growth policies undertaken by most developed nations over the last 5 - 7 years have resulted in a load of liquidity swishing in the system.

e) Shift In Balance of Power: Due to the dependence on oil and their record prices, the producers have minted a lot of surplus cash. Russia has used its proceeds wisely, effectively bankrupt in 1998, now Russia has more than US$450bn in reserves. Russia is also using petro money to "control" the surrounding small countries via joint ventures and questionable deals. China, realising its vulnerability has deliberately courted African countries with proven oil and gas reserves.

f) USA May React: USA being USA will be facing untold problems if oil prices stay at US$100 for a prolonged period (say a few years). Politicians will work feverishly to control the consequences of living with US$100 oil. Push comes to shove, USA may fight certain wars for the oil - if you know what I mean.

g) Petrodollars Balance Sheet: Used to be 100% in US Treasuries - this way the US can continue to consume as the petrodollars were recycled back to lend to the US via Treasuries. Over the last 2 years,many countries with hefty trade surpluses have started huge sovereign funds to invests in foreign companies. These companies are a mask to move funds away from buying Treasuries. I don't see this trend reversing, hence I see further downside for USD.