The crude oil price last close of $32 stands $6 higher than its recent multi-year bear market low of $26. Whilst little has changed fundamentally so far in terms of supply i.e. OPEC and others are still pumping flat out and Iran continues to ramp up production, nevertheless demand destruction of many smaller oil producers operating at below break even prices is finally starting to be discounted by the market.

However, from a technical perspective there is little sign on the price chart in terms of a higher high or bottom to confirm that the oil price has actually bottomed. The only thing of significance so far is the fact that the MACD has clearly turned higher signaling that multi-month up trend is probable.

Crude Oil Price Trend Forecast 2016

it is now over 1 month since I published my forecast expectations for the crude oil price to bottom early February 2016 at approx $25, the actual bottom came in at $26 and within the time window for a final bear market bottom as excerpted below. Therefore with the crude oil price showing little deviation from the trend forecast thu far then this implies that the crude oil price should now target a DOUBLING off of its low price of $26 and therefore trend towards at least $52 before the end of this year.

17 Jan 2016 - Crude Oil Price Crash Triggering Global Instability, Trend Forecast 2016

Crude Oil Price 2016 Forecast Conclusion

My forecast conclusion is for the crude oil price to trade within three distinct trading ranges for 2016 of $20 to $40, $35 to $50 and $62 to $40. Furthermore the trend pattern imposed onto the trading ranges implies that a bottom is likely by early February 2016 at around $25, followed by a trend higher into Mid year towards $50, a correction into September, followed by a trend towards $62 before succumbing to a correction during December to target an end year price of approx $48 as illustrated by the following forecast graph.

The bottom line is that the current the oil price collapse is a wake up call to all major oil producers that crude oil as an energy source is running out of time. So whilst there may be future oil price spikes, however the long-term trend, given the likes of climate change is for the oil age to go the way of previous ages such as the Stone Age and Bronze age and so it will be for the oil age. Which means nations such as Saudi Arabia, regardless of price understand they need to get as much of their oil out of the ground as possible and sold off before they run out of customers!

See the original article for my view on oil stocks, i.e. whether now is a good time or not to invest. And ensure you are subscribed to my always free newsletter (only requirement is an email address) for future updates and the following forthcoming pieces of in-depth analysis

Ensure you are subscribed to my always free newsletter (only requirement is an email address) for the following forthcoming analysis -

US Interest Rates 2016
US Dollar Trend Forecast
Stock Market Trend Forecast 2016
US House Prices Forecast 2016 and Beyond
Gold and Silver Price Forecast 2016

By Nadeem Walayat

http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Nadeem Walayat has over 25 years experience of trading derivatives, portfolio management and analysing the financial markets, including one of few who both anticipated and Beat the 1987 Crash. Nadeem's forward looking analysis focuses on UK inflation, economy, interest rates and housing market. He is the author of five ebook's in the The Inflation Mega-Trend and Stocks Stealth Bull Market series that can be downloaded for Free.

Nadeem is the Editor of The Market Oracle, a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication that presents in-depth analysis from over 1000 experienced analysts on a range of views of the probable direction of the financial markets, thus enabling our readers to arrive at an informed opinion on future market direction. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any trading losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors before engaging in any trading activities.

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