Flux Markets | Anticipating Peace Skip to main content

Anticipating Peace

Speculators turn bearish in Brent on improved ceasefire prospects; Heating Oil net positions fall to 4-month lows
Published: May 18, 2026
Written by:
Vincent Wu

Vincent Wu

Research Associate, Flux
Vincent Wu
13 page report
Share

In the week ending 12 May, money managers trimmed long positions and added short positions in Brent futures.

  • Price action in the front-month fell by $15 and briefly traded below $100/bbl on greater ceasefire prospects, with longs using this as an opportunity to take profit. This would mark the sixth consecutive weekly increase in short positions. As a result, the long:short ratio declined from 5.55:1.00 to 4.84:1.00 over the week.

Premium Content

To continue reading this page, please login or find our about our subscription options.

Written by

Vincent Wu

Research Associate, Flux
Vincent Wu

Related News

Brent Steady As US And Iran Trade Strikes For Sixth Consecutive Night

Brent steady as US and Iran trade strikes; Hormuz transits lowest since May; Chinese airlines warn first-half losses

Brent Dips Despite Bab el-Mandeb Closure Threats

Brent falls as Bab el-Mandeb risks rise; Iraq exports resume, China expands ethylene, India restricts Hormuz crews.

Swap Dealers Anticipated to Reduce Longs and Increase Short Length

Money managers are set to adopt a risk-on posture across commodities, extending long positions while reducing short exposures next week.
8 page report

Brent Stable As War Risk Priced In

Brent trades down to $84 with war risk priced in; US hits sanctioned vessel for the first time since reimposing blockade