Oil prices saw extreme price swings in the first half of the year due to various factors.

Oil prices in the first half of the year were volatile, influenced by U.S. trade policies, OPEC+ decisions, and geopolitical tensions. Prices slumped initially due to tariffs and increased output, then spiked in June due to conflict fears. The market saw wild price swings and shifts in trader behavior.

The first quarter saw oil prices trade in the low to mid $70s per barrel, with expectations of recovery in China and strong global demand. However, prices collapsed in the second quarter due to U.S. tariffs and trade pressures. OPEC+ began raising output to regain market share, impacting prices and trader strategies.

OPEC+ production hikes, U.S. trade policies, and market fundamentals influenced oil prices in the first half of the year. Traders bet on falling prices amid production increases and fears of recession. Compliance levels and market share battles are key factors in understanding OPEC+’s impact on prices and the energy market.

Read more at Investing.com: Oil: How Traders Capitalized on Extreme Price Swings