Energy market commentary

Energy market commentary: June 2020

Concerns over spikes in COVID-19 cases weighed on energy sentiment in June. As global crude supply remains muted, further recovery in oil prices hinges on the return of demand in the U.S., the world’s largest energy consumer.

July 6, 2020 | 5 minute read

Data as of June 30, 2020 unless otherwise noted.

Performance (total returns)

BenchmarksJune 2020YTD
Alerian MLP Index (AMZX)-7.87%-35.71%
Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index (AMEIX)-2.98%-30.44%
ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Energy Index (HY Energy)2.60%-19.76%
S&P 500 Energy Index (S&P Energy)-1.30%-35.34%

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. An investment cannot be made directly in an index.

Recovery is threatened by new virus hotspots: Crude prices continued to climb during June, with WTI surpassing $40/bbl mid-month, but concerns over renewed outbreaks of COVID-19 in certain regions of the country caused the energy sector to trade off. S&P Energy continued its upward trajectory to begin the month, hitting a 3-month peak on June 8 before declining -18.04% for the remainder of the month. Midstream equities underperformed on the month, as sentiment around near-term U.S. production volumes continues to sour. HY Energy had a positive month, returning 2.60% in June as spreads tightened to around 1,000 bps. The broader high yield space is being supported by Fed purchases of ETFs and individual securities, helping buffer the market against some of the risk-off sentiment that arose toward the end of June. While supply continues to be restrained, commodity prices remain extremely low due to the unprecedented demand shock. Natural gas prices fell to a two-decade low during the month. Demand has shown marked improvement but remains well below normal levels. The interruptions to the economic reopening seen in some states could threaten the nascent recovery in energy demand.1

Assessing the return of demand: After plumbing new lows during the acute period of COVID-19 stress, crude prices appear to have stabilized somewhat. WTI has traded in a tight band of $35–$40/bbl over the past month, and although inventories have hit all-time highs, the rate at which storage is filling up has moderated. The dramatic supply cuts made by OPEC+, along with market-based reductions in North America and other parts of the globe, have had a major hand in this stabilization. Increasing demand has also had a major impact and will likely be the force driving prices going forward. In China, which represents around 15% of global energy consumption, fuel demand has returned to near pre-crisis levels as the economy has reopened.2 This fact has helped immensely, as the country has imported massive quantities of crude to take advantage of low prices. In the U.S., which represents about 20% of global oil consumption, significant uncertainties remain around the demand picture. Data shows that economic reopening in many states has increased mobility, which has helped drive motor gasoline demand higher. Jet fuel demand remains low, as daily air passenger counts are still 70% below pre-crisis levels. In all, total crude product consumption in the U.S. currently sits 15% below “normal,” compared to 32% below in mid-April. While this has helped stabilize prices, the ability of U.S. demand to continue to recover in the coming months and quarters will be pivotal for the global energy market and especially for U.S. shale companies, which desperately need prices to get back at least to the $50/bbl range.1

Key takeaways

  • Concerns over spikes in COVID-19 cases weighed on energy sentiment in June.
  • As global crude supply remains muted, further recovery in oil prices hinges on the return of demand in the U.S., the world’s largest energy consumer.

  • Bloomberg Finance, L.P.

  • IEA.

Index descriptions: Alerian MLP Index is the leading gauge of energy Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) and is a float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index, whose constituents represent approximately 85% of total float-adjusted market capitalization. Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index is a composite of North American energy infrastructure companies and is a capped, float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted index, whose constituents are engaged in midstream activities involving energy commodities. ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Energy Index is designed to track the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated high yield rated corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic energy market. S&P 500 Energy Index comprises those companies included in the S&P 500 that are classified as members of the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) energy sector.

The indexes referenced herein are the exclusive property of each respective index provider and have been licensed for use by FS Investments. The index providers do not guarantee the accuracy and/or completeness of the indexes and accept no liability in connection with the use, accuracy, or completeness of the data included therein. Inclusion of the indexes in these materials does not imply that the index providers endorse or express any opinion in respect of FS Investments. Visit www.fsinvestments.com/investments/index-disclaimers-and-definitions for more information.

This energy market commentary and any accompanying data is for informational purposes only and shall not be considered an investment recommendation or promotion of FS Investments or any FS Investments fund. The energy market commentary is subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions, and FS Investments and FS Investment Solutions, LLC disclaim any responsibility to update such energy market commentary. The energy market commentary should not be relied on as investment advice, and because investment decisions for the FS Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of the investment intent of any FS Investments fund. None of FS Investments, its funds, FS Investment Solutions, LLC or their respective affiliates can be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred as a result of any reliance on the energy market commentary or other opinions expressed therein. Any discussion of past performance should not be used as an indicator of future results.

This information is educational in nature and does not constitute a financial promotion, investment advice or an inducement or incitement to participate in any product, offering or investment. FS Investments is not adopting, making a recommendation for or endorsing any investment strategy or particular security. All views, opinions and positions expressed herein are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of FS Investments. All opinions are subject to change without notice, and you should always obtain current information and perform due diligence before participating in any investment. FS Investments does not provide legal or tax advice and the information herein should not be considered legal or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact any investment result. FS Investments cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. FS Investments makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use, and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information.

Any projections, forecasts and estimates contained herein are based upon certain assumptions that the author considers reasonable. Projections are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions underlying the projections will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. The inclusion of projections herein should not be regarded as a representation or guarantee regarding the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and neither FS Investments nor the author are under any obligation to update or keep current such information.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Search our site