If the first week of January upset oil fans, the second, on the contrary, pleased them. Brent jumped 10% on expectations that the rapid recovery of China's economy after the lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions will strengthen global demand for oil and contribute to the recovery of prices. ING believes that thanks to China, the average cost of the North Sea variety in 2023 will be $100 per barrel, and Goldman Sachs expects a rally in futures quotes to $120. However, not everyone agrees with them.

In fact, the roller coaster ride in oil at the start of the year shows how divided the market is. Pessimists believe that economic growth outside of China leaves much to be desired and still count on a global recession. Wall Street Journal experts estimate a 61% chance of a downturn in the U.S. economy over the next 12 months. This is slightly lower than in the fall forecasts, but both are close to record high levels, except for real recessions.

Dynamics of the likelihood of a recession in the United States

Bears on Brent nod to Russia's rise in offshore oil supplies to 3.8 million bpd in the week to January 13, the highest since April. If Moscow has adapted so quickly to Western sanctions, can we talk about the lack of supply cited by Goldman Sachs?

The American investment bank notes that all investors are currently fixated on a global recession that will not actually happen. The Chinese economy will accelerate from 3% to 5.5% in 2023, the eurozone will avoid an energy crisis, and the U.S. will have a soft landing thanks to strong household balance sheets and a robust labor market. As a result, demand for oil will exceed forecasts, which, coupled with problems with supply, will allow Brent to rise to $120 per barrel.

Dynamics of Russia's offshore oil supply

Goldman Sachs compares the current time period with 2007–2008, when the Fed took its foot off the brake, China hit the gas all the way, and Europe began to rise rapidly. Then oil prices skyrocketed. Why don't they do it now, when the situation is very similar?

In the short term, the updated forecasts of OPEC and the IEA can provide support to the bulls for Brent. There has been a lot of pessimism in them lately, but the opening of China can add positivity.

In my opinion, the North Sea variety will grow. Markets are tired of Fear and ready for Greed to arrive. However, due to the Lunar New Year and some weakening of the U.S. economy, the oil rally will not be strong in the near future. At least for now. Nevertheless, it makes sense to use the pullbacks for buying.

Technically, due to the implementation of the 1-2-3 pattern, risks of a serious correction that can turn into a break in the long-term downward trend increase. Emphasis should be placed on the formation of long positions in the direction of $91.75 and $97.25 per barrel. We prefer holding and periodically increasing longs opened from the $83.4 level.