OPEC+ has approved an additional 188,000 bpd quota increase for August, extending its gradual supply normalisation and keeping pressure on Brent and WTI. The decision continues the phased unwinding of earlier production curbs and brings the total quota increase since the war began to 940,000 barrels/day, which is close to 1% of global demand. It also follows the restoration of shipments by Gulf exporters after an interim peace pact.
Brent has retreated from war highs to around $72 a barrel, reinforcing the downward bias from extra supply. If lower oil prices persist, energy could become less of a macro headwind for risk assets, while market pricing may tilt further towards major central banks’ next steps being easier policy rather than renewed tightening. OPEC+ is also contending with tensions around unity and market share, alongside the prospect of a future global supply glut.
Market Trends And Bearish Strategies
With OPEC+ continuing to increase production quotas, we see sustained downward pressure on crude oil prices. Brent crude is already struggling near the $72 per barrel mark as of July 6, 2026. This gradual normalization of supply suggests that any price rallies in the coming weeks will likely be short-lived.
This view is reinforced by recent U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, which last week showed a surprise inventory build of 2.1 million barrels when a small draw was expected. Furthermore, the latest Commitment of Traders report from the CFTC indicates that managed money has increased its net short positions in WTI futures by 15%. This shows that institutional sentiment is aligning with our bearish perspective.
Given this outlook, we are looking at buying put options on WTI crude futures, specifically targeting the September 2026 contracts. This strategy allows us to profit from a fall in prices while strictly defining our maximum risk to the premium we pay. It is a prudent way to express a bearish view without the unlimited risk of shorting futures directly.
The current situation is becoming reminiscent of the 2014-2016 period, when OPEC’s focus on protecting market share over-supplied the market and sent prices tumbling. While we do not anticipate a collapse of that magnitude, the historical precedent shows how quickly a supply glut can form. The alliance’s internal pressures over unity and market share are a key factor to watch.
Implications For The Broader Economy And Sector Strategies
Lower energy costs are a significant tailwind for the broader economy and help to contain inflation. Last month’s Core CPI reading came in at 2.8%, slightly below consensus, giving the Federal Reserve more leeway to lean toward an easier policy stance. This reinforces the view that the next interest rate move is more likely to be a cut than a hike.
Consequently, we are also considering bearish positions in the energy sector through puts on the XLE ETF. Conversely, lower fuel costs benefit transportation and consumer-focused companies. We see upside potential in call options on airline and retail sector ETFs as a way to trade this disinflationary trend.
