WTI Crude Oil Moving Up on News That Weekend Hostage Release by Hamas Had Been Postponed in Violation of Ceasefire Deal
• WTI APR 25 up 1.9% at 72.33/bbl
• Israeli Defense Minister Katz said Hamas’ action “is a violation of the ceasefire. I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7.”
• Red Sea related tensions had eased back on earlier success in the ceasefire, now potentially at risk.
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Heavy option volumes reported Friday, SOFR outpacing Treasury flows with the former leaning towards downside puts as underlying futures retreated towards post data lows late in the session. Projected rate cuts through mid-2025 have retreated since this morning's data, current vs. morning levels* as follows: Jan'25 at -0.7bp (-1.7bp), Mar'25 -6.3bp (-10.1bp), May'25 -10.5bp (-15.9bp), Jun'25 -18.2bp (-25.6bp), Jul'25 -20.2bp (25.5bp).
A clear downtrend in JGB futures remains intact and the latest fresh cycle lows, reinforces this condition. Note too that moving average studies on the continuation chart are in a bear-mode setup, highlighting a clear downtrend. The move down exposes the 140.00 psychological handle next. For bulls, a reversal would open 142.73 and 144.48, the Dec 9 and Nov 11 high respectively.