Notwithstanding the appreciation of crude oil prices during 2010, the frenzy of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the oilfield services sector continues. The bearish price environment of 2009 supported M&A activity on the back of attractive valuations and a desire to whittle down competition. During H1 2010, we saw a significant rise in such M&A [Read more...]

For decades, oil and gas investors in Africa have focused on exploiting the riches of the continent’s established producers Nigeria, Angola, Libya and Algeria. In recent years, however, spurred on by large discoveries offshore Ghana and in the Lake Albert region in Uganda, the industry has been looking beyond the traditional oil markets to a [Read more...]

On Friday, August 6, Business Monitor International’s Head of Research Terry Alexander guest hosted Closing Bell Europe. Key points of discussion included the latest Eurozone GDP releases and asset class strategies amid a rallying bond market.

Industrial commodities such as energy and base metals are highly correlated to risk appetite and hence equity markets. Below I highlight the monthly rolling correlation between Brent crude and the Dow Jones. The two main things to note are that first, on a monthly basis, the correlation stands at 0.9 (which implies a strong and [Read more...]

One area of significant interest in the US energy market over the past eighteen months has been hydrocarbons extracted from shale. Strong industry interest in shale-derived gas may yet reverse the medium-term decline in US natural gas production. Shale deposits are widespread across the US, but concentrated in states such as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania [Read more...]

Coffee is shaping up to post a strong monthly close which bolsters my medium-term bullish view. Moreover, while not my core scenario, I would not rule out a significant spike in prices over the coming months, as has happened in the past.

My colleagues at Business Monitor Online recently alluded to this potential in late June. [Read more...]

Bob Dudley is set to take over from Tony Hayward on October 1. BMI’s Head of Oil and Gas Analysis, Holly Pattenden, talks to Gwen Ifill of PBS’ The Newshour about the leadership switch, the company’s liability in the oil disaster, and prospects for survival.