Crude Oil Prices: Trends and Forecast

25 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2008

See all articles by Noureddine Krichene

Noureddine Krichene

International Monetary Fund (IMF) - African Department

Date Written: May 2008

Abstract

Following record low interest rates and fast depreciating U.S. dollar, crude oil prices became under rising pressure and seemed boundless. Oil price process parameters changed drastically in 2003M5-2007M10 toward consistently rising prices. Short-term forecasting would imply persistence of observed trends, as market fundamentals and underlying monetary policies were supportive of these trends. Market expectations derived from option prices anticipated further surge in oil prices and allowed significant probability for right tail events. Given explosive trends in other commodities prices, depreciating currencies, and weakening financial conditions, recent trends in oil prices might not persist further without triggering world economic recession, regressive oil supply, as oil producers became wary about inflation. Restoring stable oil markets, through restraining monetary policy, is essential for durable growth and price stability.

Keywords: Working Paper, Oil prices, Commodity prices, Exchange rate depreciation, Inflation, Monetary policy

Suggested Citation

Krichene, Noureddine, Crude Oil Prices: Trends and Forecast (May 2008). IMF Working Paper No. 08/133, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1153749

Noureddine Krichene (Contact Author)

International Monetary Fund (IMF) - African Department ( email )

1700 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20431
United States

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