Jennifer Welch

Oil is touching $80/barrel. Bloomberg Economics estimates prices could spike to $100-$108 if the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed or disrupted for an extended period. While the US Navy is escorting tankers, the insurance costs and physical risks are rising. Any successful Iranian asymmetric attack (drones/mines) on a tanker would trigger the panic premium priced into the $108 forecast. Energy stocks and spot oil prices are the primary hedge against this geopolitical escalation. Rapid de-escalation or successful US naval dominance keeping shipping lanes 100% open.

"If there is a presupposition in the markets that it will remain closed for two months to three months, we could see prices rise much higher... that could put prices well above 110." The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy choke point. If Iran continues to hold shipping at risk and the conflict drags on, the geopolitical risk premium on oil will expand significantly. This directly benefits crude tracking funds and major oil producers who will capture higher margins on existing production. LONG. Prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East provide a strong fundamental catalyst for oil and energy equities. The U.S. and Iran could reach a sudden diplomatic resolution, or the U.S. could release massive amounts from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, causing oil prices to crash.

"If there is a presupposition in the markets that it will remain closed for two months to three months, we could see prices rise much higher... that could put prices well above 110." The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy choke point. If Iran continues to hold shipping at risk and the conflict drags on, the geopolitical risk premium on oil will expand significantly. This directly benefits crude tracking funds and major oil producers who will capture higher margins on existing production. LONG. Prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East provide a strong fundamental catalyst for oil and energy equities. The U.S. and Iran could reach a sudden diplomatic resolution, or the U.S. could release massive amounts from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, causing oil prices to crash.

"If there is a presupposition in the markets that it will remain closed for two months to three months, we could see prices rise much higher... that could put prices well above 110." The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy choke point. If Iran continues to hold shipping at risk and the conflict drags on, the geopolitical risk premium on oil will expand significantly. This directly benefits crude tracking funds and major oil producers who will capture higher margins on existing production. LONG. Prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East provide a strong fundamental catalyst for oil and energy equities. The U.S. and Iran could reach a sudden diplomatic resolution, or the U.S. could release massive amounts from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, causing oil prices to crash.

Oil is touching $80/barrel. Bloomberg Economics estimates prices could spike to $100-$108 if the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed or disrupted for an extended period. While the US Navy is escorting tankers, the insurance costs and physical risks are rising. Any successful Iranian asymmetric attack (drones/mines) on a tanker would trigger the panic premium priced into the $108 forecast. Energy stocks and spot oil prices are the primary hedge against this geopolitical escalation. Rapid de-escalation or successful US naval dominance keeping shipping lanes 100% open.