Kashyap_Swamy

Oil and the Futures Market

I don't think Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) of Oil producing nations would buy oil futures. Remember, buying a future contract also means that you need to take physical delivery! Why would a producer want to buy more oil? If they are just "rolling it" then there would be a HUGE contango in the front months (not just $1-$2).

Don't forget that NYMEX WTI is sweet, light crude. Arab heavy crude (which does not have a futures contract) is trading at $132/ bl. (a $10 discount but not a lot different). I don't think its all speculation...