US bessent: Expect energy prices to ‘settle back down’

Brent crude futures dropped over 1% amid optimism surrounding a possible U.S.-Iran deal, according to a report by FirstSquawk. This decline aligns with remarks by U.S. analyst Bessent, who suggested that energy prices could stabilize. The market has responded to these developments with a notable reduction in the geopolitical risk premium, which had been elevated due to fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. As of now, Brent crude is in the low-to-mid $80s range, down from previous conflict-driven peaks. The expectation is that energy prices will gradually normalize, although such adjustments typically take time. Key Takeaways Brent crude futures’ decline aligns with Bessent’s expectation of energy prices stabilizing, consistent with a reduction in geopolitical risk premiums. Market pricing suggests participants view the likelihood of crude oil reaching a new all-time high by September 30 as low, with odds at 4%. The December 31 market shows slightly higher expectations for an all-time high, with a 12% probability, reflecting potential future catalysts. What to Watch Monitoring developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations will be crucial, as any formal agreement could further inf...