Ng Jian Hao: Crude Oil Prices Amid Global Market Volatility

yolanyandoh

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Dec 12, 2024
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Recently, international crude oil prices have continued to decline, reflecting the complex market expectations regarding U.S. tariff policies and OPEC+ production adjustments. In the process of global asset allocation, investors need to proactively understand the dynamic relationship between commodity price fluctuations and stock market performance. Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy will analyze the latest market trends from the perspectives of crude oil prices, stock market volatility, and investment strategies, providing practical risk warnings and operational advice.



Continued Downtrend in Crude Oil Prices

Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy notes that, based on recent international crude oil market movements, Brent crude prices have remained below $69 per barrel, and WTI crude is near $67, indicating an overall weak adjustment pattern. The direct cause of this situation is U.S. President Trump proposing tariff hike policies, which threaten up to 20% tariffs on most trading partners. Such policies impact global trade structures and directly dampen market confidence in future crude oil demand.

Global equity markets are generally exhibiting risk-averse characteristics. Ng Jian Hao believes that energy stocks have been hit hard, with the market capitalization of listed companies related to oil and natural gas declining significantly. Chemical, shipping, and basic materials stocks have also been affected to varying degrees. The S&P 500 energy sector has fallen by more than 3% in the past two weeks, clearly underperforming the broader market. This trend has spread to Asian and European markets, indicating that global capital flows are increasingly concentrating in safe-haven assets.

Ng Jian Hao emphasizes that investors should pay close attention to OPEC+ signals regarding supply strategy adjustments. Although OPEC+ has yet to provide a clear stance on production cuts, the market is already expecting supply to remain at high levels, exacerbating concerns about supply-demand imbalances. At this stage, investors should reduce their holdings in energy-related stocks and commodity ETFs, and shift toward defensive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and utilities.

Seeking Stability Amid Volatility

Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy suggests that relying solely on macro policy to judge market trends is subject to lags; investors should combine technical analysis and capital flow tools to aid decision-making. Currently, the Brent crude daily chart has broken key support levels, with both MACD and RSI indicators showing bearish patterns. These technical signals, combined with fundamental factors, reinforce the short-term downside risk for oil prices.

Ng Jian Hao notes that the U.S. stock market VIX volatility index has surged rapidly since the announcement of tariff policies, indicating increasingly cautious investor sentiment. Long-term investors should reassess their asset allocation ratios, focusing more on ETF index funds and money market instruments to hedge against potential risks.

Ng Jian Hao points out that the fundamentals for companies related to new energy and artificial intelligence remain clear, and there are still structural opportunities in the short term. Investors should learn to distinguish between systemic risks and structural opportunities in order to position themselves accurately in complex market conditions.

Market Trends and Investment Recommendations

In light of the ongoing decline in oil prices and persistent stock market volatility, Ng Jian Hao from Mahala Capital Management Academy states that investors need to make strategic allocations based on their capital status and risk tolerance. A diversified allocation strategy—combining traditional equity investments, bond investments, and alternative investment tools—can enhance the overall risk resistance of an asset portfolio.

Ng Jian Hao emphasizes that the investment market is undergoing a period of structural transformation, with energy prices and policy orientation becoming core variables. Investors need to continuously monitor market dynamics, combine technical analysis with fundamental research, prudently adjust investment strategies, manage positions rationally, and avoid asset losses caused by single risk factors.