Why I Believe Brent Crude Oil is Headed to $125 by 2026www.tradingview.com 1. Supply Constraints: Geopolitics & Trade Wars
One of the biggest drivers of higher oil prices is geopolitical instability and trade policy shifts. We're already seeing major disruptions that could tighten supply further:
Middle East Tensions – The ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea, Iran, and Israel continue to create uncertainty. Attacks on shipping routes and production facilities raise the cost of transporting oil and increase the risk of supply disruptions.
Russia-Ukraine War – With Russian oil facing sanctions and restrictions, global supply chains have had to adjust, making energy markets more fragile.
OPEC+ Output Cuts – OPEC has repeatedly restricted production to keep prices elevated, and there’s no indication they’ll reverse course anytime soon.
U.S.-China Trade War & Tariffs – With Trump leading in the 2024 election polls, there’s a growing possibility that tariffs on China will return. If this happens, energy trade flows could be further disrupted, and retaliatory tariffs could add to price pressures.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Depletion – The U.S. used a huge portion of its SPR to lower oil prices in 2022-2023, but refilling those reserves will create additional demand, pushing prices even higher.
With these factors at play, supply is becoming more constrained, making it easier for prices to rise with even small increases in demand.
2. Demand Boom: AI, Bitcoin Mining, and Agriculture
While supply is tightening, demand for energy is skyrocketing in unexpected ways.
AI Data Centers & Industrial Demand
AI computing is extremely energy-intensive, and as companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon continue to expand cloud computing infrastructure, demand for electricity is surging.
Many data centers still rely on fossil fuels for backup power and cooling systems, meaning oil and gas usage will continue to increase.
Bitcoin (BTC) Mining
Bitcoin mining requires massive amounts of electricity, and as BTC prices rise, mining activity expands in energy-dependent regions.
With the 2024 BTC halving, miners will have to run at full efficiency, which translates to higher global energy consumption.
Agriculture & Food Production
The world’s growing population and extreme weather events (like El Niño) are driving higher food production needs.
Fertilizer production, transportation, and machinery all require oil, meaning agricultural commodities are directly contributing to higher energy demand.
Together, these factors suggest that demand for oil is only going to increase, making it harder for supply to keep up.
3. Oil Price vs. Stock Market: The $100 Warning Zone
Historically, when oil prices get too high, the stock market struggles. Some key examples:
2008 Recession: Oil peaked at $147 per barrel, right before the financial crisis.
2018 Market Drop: When oil hit $80+, stocks sold off sharply.
2022 Inflation Shock: Oil reached $120+, leading to Fed rate hikes and market turmoil.
Why $100+ Oil is a Warning Sign for Stocks
Higher oil prices = higher inflation. This forces central banks like the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates high, making borrowing more expensive.
Energy costs impact corporate profits. Companies across multiple sectors will see shrinking profit margins as transportation and production costs rise.
Consumer spending takes a hit. Gasoline prices cut into disposable income, which weakens overall economic growth.
If Brent crude pushes above $100, expect increased market volatility and a potential selloff in equities.
4. Brent Crude Technicals: Price Targets for 2026
Current Setup
Price Holding Key Support (~$70-$74) – Brent is respecting major trendlines, signaling strong demand in this area.
Breakout Zone Around $80-$82 – If price moves above this level, it could trigger a rally to $100+.
Fibonacci Levels Align with $125 Target:
0.618 Fib retracement at $106 → First major resistance.
0.786 Fib extension at $119 → Likely next target.
1.272 Fib extension near $125 → Final upside target for 2026.
This technical setup aligns with macro fundamentals and historical oil cycles, making a move to $125 increasingly probable.
5. Investment & Trading Strategy
Long-Term Bullish Strategy
Accumulation Zone: $70-$74 (solid support).
Upside Targets: $106, $119, $125.
Stop Loss Consideration: Below $68 (invalidates thesis).
Hedging Against Market Risk
SPX Put Options / VIX Calls – If oil rises toward $100+, consider hedging against an equity downturn.
Energy Stocks (XLE, Exxon, Chevron) – These stocks tend to outperform during oil bull markets.
Gold & Commodities – Hard assets often rally when energy prices increase.
Conclusion: The Path to $125 Brent Oil
Geopolitical instability + supply cuts = higher prices.
AI, Bitcoin, and food production = rising demand.
If oil approaches $100, watch for an equities pullback.
While no forecast is perfect, all signs point to oil prices rising into 2026. If this trend plays out, investors should be prepared for higher inflation, tighter Fed policy, and increased market volatility.
Would love to hear your thoughts—do you think oil will hit $125, or are we headed lower? 🚀📊
