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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Neswire – 28 March 2025 – As of March 2025, Brent crude oil prices have experienced fluctuations: its price traded between $68.30 and slightly above $73 per barrel. This volatility reflects evolving macroeconomic factors and geopolitical dynamics. OPEC+ has announced plans to gradually increase oil production starting in April 2025, aiming to unwind 2.2 million barrels per day of previous cuts over an 18-month period. Despite global efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources, oil continues to play a pivotal role in the global economy. Octa Broker, a broker with globally recognised licenses, discusses the potential attractiveness of investments in oil in 2025 and the risks to consider.

Oil Price Forecasts for 2025: Expert Predictions

Oil can become a lucrative trade option in 2025. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects Brent crude oil prices to average $74 per barrel in 2025 and decline to $68 per barrel in 2026. Pickering Energy Partners’ Chief Investment Officer, Dan Pickering, expects oil prices to range between $65 and $75 per barrel in 2025 amid ongoing supply tightness and geopolitical risks.

According to Kar Yong Ang, financial market analyst at Octa Broker, oil remains a core asset for traders looking to hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk. He says that ‘Oil‘s price movements in 2025 will be shaped by supply-side decisions from OPEC+ and the geopolitical landscape. Traders should be prepared for volatility but also recognise the potential for trading opportunities in these market conditions.’ Global oil demand is projected to rise by 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025, driven by strong air travel and automotive demand. However, economic uncertainties, including tariff disputes and potential recession fears, have introduced near-term instability in the oil market.

Factors Affecting Oil Prices

Geopolitical tensions continue to be a leading force in the oil market. The current political tension and conflict in the principal areas of oil production can affect supply chains. Despite tensions simmering in the Middle East, strong global oil supply is keeping prices from shooting spectacularly.

OPEC+ remains the world’s dominant oil supplier, recently indicating a willingness to increase production—an outlook that can put pressure on prices. But non-OPEC producers, particularly U.S. shale firms, are significant as well. While U.S. production remains robust, its growth rate has slowed compared to recent years.

On the demand side, China remains the largest crude oil consumer, but its slowing economy is making the sector apprehensive about future demand. India, on its part, is continuing to exhibit healthy demand, underpinning market stability, while the U.S. is contributing to potential headwinds powered by tariff-related economic pressure. These supply-side-leading dynamics will play out with demand-side uncertainty and set the trajectory of the petroleum market over the next few months.

Oil Investment Potential in 2025 and Associated Risks

Oil has historically been a trusted inflation hedge, but in 2025 its direction is not at all obvious. The market is being pulled in two opposite directions by a mix of economic and geopolitical pressures, each with the power to move prices a lot.

On the downside, the spectre of a worldwide economic slowdown threatens the market. New tariffs and increasing trade tensions have the power to sap demand and therefore pull oil prices lower. Crude can plummet sharply if it turns for the worse, and a full-fledged recession sets in. Meanwhile, Middle East instability is building, and with Iran becoming increasingly involved, the risk of supply disruptions is increasing. If it escalates further, oil can come back hard.

OPEC has also complicated matters. The cartel has been increasing production, expecting demand to rise as well, but there is a very real chance that they overestimated. When demand doesn’t rise as much as hoped, the market is in an oversupply situation, and prices will be falling again.

And then there is the longer-term transformation. The worldwide push towards renewables is slowly reshaping energy markets, and while the transition won’t be instantaneous, it’s already tightening the screws on oil demand. Prices might not react in the near term, but the handwriting is on the wall.

Meanwhile, U.S. shale, once the biggest wild card in global oil supply, is no longer the unstoppable force that it was. Production is still robust, but growth has slowed, and most believe that the industry has already peaked. That is one reason that can potentially keep prices underpinned in the long term.

Weak demand forecasts by China were one of the key drivers of oil prices in 2024. In 2025 political tensions might give rise to supply shocks resulting in surprise price peaks, making oil a good option as a short-term trade. In the long term, the asset price may remain relatively stable or even decrease, as expected by the experts.

However, traders must balance risks before they invest, even in the short term. Oil prices are highly sensitive to geopolitical tensions, which may usher in unexpected price swings. Recessions in large economies, particularly China, may dampen demand, while the global shift towards alternative energy sources is a long-term threat to the supremacy of oil. In addition, overproduction by the oil-producing nations may result in lower prices and render it unprofitable for investors.

The Role of Oil in the Global Energy Transition

Oil companies are still expanding their portfolios into renewable energy investments, showing heightened interest in sustainability. Investment in clean energy by oil and gas companies rose to approximately USD 30 billion in 2023, which accounts for less than 4% of their overall capital expenditure. Notably, over 60% of this investment came from just four major companies: Equinor, TotalEnergies, Shell, and BP, highlighting that a small group of industry leaders are spearheading the transition. This push into wind, solar, and hydrogen investments, alongside continued oil production, provides new opportunities for traders to diversify their portfolios with both conventional energy assets and new renewables.

Practical Recommendations for Traders and Investors

To successfully trade the oil market in 2025, investors and traders can consider the following tips:

1. Stay Informed on Market Fundamentals. For example, follow news regarding the key drivers of oil prices. To track oil prices effectively, focus on primary short-term influences. Geopolitical threats, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, are sudden market changes. Central bank forecasts and interest rate manoeuvres influence demand macroeconomically. Political steps — tariffs, and sanctions — affect prices as well. Additionally, track EIA stockpile reports, also IEA and OPEC bulletins. These reports offer valuable insights into global energy supply and demand dynamics, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of market trends and potential price fluctuations.
2. Utilise Diverse Trading Instruments like ETFs or CFDs. The latter allows traders to speculate on the future movement of oil prices without having to own the underlying commodity, hence requiring smaller investments. ​
3. Implement Robust Risk Management Strategies. Due to the high volatility of oil markets, effective risk management must be employed. This includes stop-loss orders, take-profits, portfolio diversification, and position sizing, which is advised not to exceed 1-2% of capital per trade.

2025 oil markets are a complex mix of risk and opportunity. Macro drivers such as world economic growth patterns and the pace towards renewables will drive medium- and long-term demand curves, but geopolitical tensions and supply-side pressures can underpin high price levels. Those who enter the market with a sophisticated research strategy — balancing fundamental and technical factors — will be well-equipped to navigate this changing landscape.

Oil companies’ ability to make renewable investments alongside traditional energy production highlights the sector’s ongoing development. Short-term volatility can be leveraged for tactical gains by traders, but long-term investors must ride the structural adjustments that are likely to define the industry for the next two decades. Good risk management, continuous market studies, and diversification in exposure will remain the keys to success as the energy sector evolves.

Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

​

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Neswire – 28 March 2025 – As of March 2025, Brent crude oil prices have experienced fluctuations: its price traded between $68.30 and slightly above $73 per barrel. This volatility reflects evolving macroeconomic factors and geopolitical dynamics. OPEC+ has announced plans to gradually increase oil production starting in April 2025, aiming to unwind 2.2 million barrels per day of previous cuts over an 18-month period. Despite global efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources, oil continues to play a pivotal role in the global economy. Octa Broker, a broker with globally recognised licenses, discusses the potential attractiveness of investments in oil in 2025 and the risks to consider.

Oil Price Forecasts for 2025: Expert Predictions

Oil can become a lucrative trade option in 2025. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects Brent crude oil prices to average $74 per barrel in 2025 and decline to $68 per barrel in 2026. Pickering Energy Partners’ Chief Investment Officer, Dan Pickering, expects oil prices to range between $65 and $75 per barrel in 2025 amid ongoing supply tightness and geopolitical risks.

According to Kar Yong Ang, financial market analyst at Octa Broker, oil remains a core asset for traders looking to hedge against inflation and geopolitical risk. He says that ‘Oil‘s price movements in 2025 will be shaped by supply-side decisions from OPEC+ and the geopolitical landscape. Traders should be prepared for volatility but also recognise the potential for trading opportunities in these market conditions.’ Global oil demand is projected to rise by 1.4 million barrels per day in 2025, driven by strong air travel and automotive demand. However, economic uncertainties, including tariff disputes and potential recession fears, have introduced near-term instability in the oil market.

Factors Affecting Oil Prices

Geopolitical tensions continue to be a leading force in the oil market. The current political tension and conflict in the principal areas of oil production can affect supply chains. Despite tensions simmering in the Middle East, strong global oil supply is keeping prices from shooting spectacularly.

OPEC+ remains the world’s dominant oil supplier, recently indicating a willingness to increase production—an outlook that can put pressure on prices. But non-OPEC producers, particularly U.S. shale firms, are significant as well. While U.S. production remains robust, its growth rate has slowed compared to recent years.

On the demand side, China remains the largest crude oil consumer, but its slowing economy is making the sector apprehensive about future demand. India, on its part, is continuing to exhibit healthy demand, underpinning market stability, while the U.S. is contributing to potential headwinds powered by tariff-related economic pressure. These supply-side-leading dynamics will play out with demand-side uncertainty and set the trajectory of the petroleum market over the next few months.

Oil Investment Potential in 2025 and Associated Risks

Oil has historically been a trusted inflation hedge, but in 2025 its direction is not at all obvious. The market is being pulled in two opposite directions by a mix of economic and geopolitical pressures, each with the power to move prices a lot.

On the downside, the spectre of a worldwide economic slowdown threatens the market. New tariffs and increasing trade tensions have the power to sap demand and therefore pull oil prices lower. Crude can plummet sharply if it turns for the worse, and a full-fledged recession sets in. Meanwhile, Middle East instability is building, and with Iran becoming increasingly involved, the risk of supply disruptions is increasing. If it escalates further, oil can come back hard.

OPEC has also complicated matters. The cartel has been increasing production, expecting demand to rise as well, but there is a very real chance that they overestimated. When demand doesn’t rise as much as hoped, the market is in an oversupply situation, and prices will be falling again.

And then there is the longer-term transformation. The worldwide push towards renewables is slowly reshaping energy markets, and while the transition won’t be instantaneous, it’s already tightening the screws on oil demand. Prices might not react in the near term, but the handwriting is on the wall.

Meanwhile, U.S. shale, once the biggest wild card in global oil supply, is no longer the unstoppable force that it was. Production is still robust, but growth has slowed, and most believe that the industry has already peaked. That is one reason that can potentially keep prices underpinned in the long term.

Weak demand forecasts by China were one of the key drivers of oil prices in 2024. In 2025 political tensions might give rise to supply shocks resulting in surprise price peaks, making oil a good option as a short-term trade. In the long term, the asset price may remain relatively stable or even decrease, as expected by the experts.

However, traders must balance risks before they invest, even in the short term. Oil prices are highly sensitive to geopolitical tensions, which may usher in unexpected price swings. Recessions in large economies, particularly China, may dampen demand, while the global shift towards alternative energy sources is a long-term threat to the supremacy of oil. In addition, overproduction by the oil-producing nations may result in lower prices and render it unprofitable for investors.

The Role of Oil in the Global Energy Transition

Oil companies are still expanding their portfolios into renewable energy investments, showing heightened interest in sustainability. Investment in clean energy by oil and gas companies rose to approximately USD 30 billion in 2023, which accounts for less than 4% of their overall capital expenditure. Notably, over 60% of this investment came from just four major companies: Equinor, TotalEnergies, Shell, and BP, highlighting that a small group of industry leaders are spearheading the transition. This push into wind, solar, and hydrogen investments, alongside continued oil production, provides new opportunities for traders to diversify their portfolios with both conventional energy assets and new renewables.

Practical Recommendations for Traders and Investors

To successfully trade the oil market in 2025, investors and traders can consider the following tips:

1. Stay Informed on Market Fundamentals. For example, follow news regarding the key drivers of oil prices. To track oil prices effectively, focus on primary short-term influences. Geopolitical threats, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, are sudden market changes. Central bank forecasts and interest rate manoeuvres influence demand macroeconomically. Political steps — tariffs, and sanctions — affect prices as well. Additionally, track EIA stockpile reports, also IEA and OPEC bulletins. These reports offer valuable insights into global energy supply and demand dynamics, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of market trends and potential price fluctuations.
2. Utilise Diverse Trading Instruments like ETFs or CFDs. The latter allows traders to speculate on the future movement of oil prices without having to own the underlying commodity, hence requiring smaller investments. ​
3. Implement Robust Risk Management Strategies. Due to the high volatility of oil markets, effective risk management must be employed. This includes stop-loss orders, take-profits, portfolio diversification, and position sizing, which is advised not to exceed 1-2% of capital per trade.

2025 oil markets are a complex mix of risk and opportunity. Macro drivers such as world economic growth patterns and the pace towards renewables will drive medium- and long-term demand curves, but geopolitical tensions and supply-side pressures can underpin high price levels. Those who enter the market with a sophisticated research strategy — balancing fundamental and technical factors — will be well-equipped to navigate this changing landscape.

Oil companies’ ability to make renewable investments alongside traditional energy production highlights the sector’s ongoing development. Short-term volatility can be leveraged for tactical gains by traders, but long-term investors must ride the structural adjustments that are likely to define the industry for the next two decades. Good risk management, continuous market studies, and diversification in exposure will remain the keys to success as the energy sector evolves.

Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Hong Kong’s Largest Data Centre Built for the New AI Era

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2025 – SUNeVision, the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), today announced the commencement of construction for Phase Two of MEGA IDC in Tseung Kwan O.

As Hong Kong’s largest data centre service provider, SUNeVision operates a total of eight facilities across the territory, including MEGA IDC. Phase One of MEGA IDC, launched successfully last year, delivered approximately 500,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA) and 50MW of power capacity. The facility has already attracted major cloud service providers and international banks to move in as customers. In response to strong market demand, construction of Phase Two has begun ahead of schedule. This phase will add around 350,000 square feet of GFA, with completion scheduled for 2026/2027.

The initiation ceremony for Phase Two was officiated by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, SHKP Chairman & Managing Director and SUNeVision Chairman Raymond Kwok, SHKP Executive Director and SUNeVision Non-Executive Director Christopher Kwok, and SHKP Executive Director and SUNeVision Vice Chairman Allen Fung. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for this key infrastructure project and was celebrated alongside prominent industry leaders.

Mr Michael Wong said at the ceremony that the government is fully committed to advancing AI development in Hong Kong. As Financial Secretary said in his Budget Speech, AI is at the core of developing new quality productive forces and Hong Kong should develop AI as a core industry. The investment in MEGA IDC, exceeding HK$15 billion, combined with tenant equipment investments, is expected to draw tens of billions in total investment to Hong Kong. He praised SHKP and SUNeVision for their confidence in Hong Kong’s future, demonstrated through significant investments that underscore their commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a leading data centre hub in the Asia Pacific, a commitment deserving full recognition and support.

Mr Raymond Kwok said: “Innovation and technology (I&T) is the cornerstone of new quality productive forces and plays a pivotal role in driving Hong Kong’s economic development. For years, SHKP has consistently invested in technological applications and state-of-the-art facilities to enhance Hong Kong’s new productive forces. As part of these efforts, SUNeVision is committed to building a world-class AI network infrastructure, strengthening Hong Kong’s connectivity with the mainland and global advanced technology markets.”

He added: “Despite the long investment return period for MEGA IDC, the Group remains committed, reflecting its role as a provider of ‘patient capital’ for Hong Kong and its confidence in the development of the data industry. In line with State Council Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang’s call to invest early, focus on the long-term growth and support ‘hard technologies’, SHKP will leverage its world-class data infrastructure to drive Hong Kong’s technological development. This will reinforce its role as a bridge connecting the mainland with the global technology world, enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the international AI arena.”

MEGA IDC – Hong Kong’s Largest Hyperscale Data Centre

The total investment in the MEGA IDC project exceeds HK$15 billion. Upon completion of the three phases, the facility will offer approximately 1.2 million square feet and of GFA and over 180MW of power capacity, making it the largest hyperscale data centre in Hong Kong. Designed to meet the space and power needs of cloud service providers and AI customers, this cutting-edge facility is at the forefront of fostering AI advancements and advancing Hong Kong’s I&T sector.

Mr Christopher Kwok said: “MEGA IDC, as an AI-ready data centre, stands out for its strategic location and advanced facility design. This site was specifically designated by the government for the development of high-tier data centres. Our infrastructure is highly resilient, with multiple backup power systems that not only meet the high energy demands of AI customers but also ensure ultra-low latency and uninterrupted operations. The facility’s physical security is built to the highest standards, with round-the-clock surveillance and biometric access controls, providing comprehensive protection for both the infrastructure and data. The SUNeVision team has travelled around the world to learn from the technical and management expertise of leading data centres worldwide, and conducted in-depth research into the specific needs of multinational financial institutions and cloud service providers. By implementing the highest standards in its facilities, MEGA IDC delivers comprehensive, high-quality services and is fully prepared to adapt to the evolving demands of the technology market.”

State-of-the-art Facility Captures Unprecedented AI Opportunities

The rapid evolution of AI has driven the growth of AI applications and inference technologies, creating a rising demand for high-quality, high-density data centres in Hong Kong. MEGA IDC is equipped with seven on-premise 132kV 75MVA transformers spanning Phase One and Phase Two, delivering stable, abundant, and high-quality power to meet present and future needs.

The data centre employs a modular design approach with a 5.7m slab-to-slab height and a robust 20kPA floor loading capacity, allowing customers to place their most advanced and mission-critical equipment.

Strategic Addition to SUNeVision’s Portfolio

Upon completion of the full MEGA IDC project, SUNeVision’s eight data centres will provide over 280MW of power capacity across three million square feet of GFA in Hong Kong. The development reinforces SUNeVision’s leadership in the digital infrastructure sector and positions the company to support both global and mainland cloud and AI companies as they expand in the Asia Pacific region.
Hashtag: #SUNeVision

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SUNeVision

SUNeVision (SEHK: 1686), the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties (SEHK: 0016), is the largest data centre provider in Hong Kong. We provide industry-leading carrier and cloud-neutral data centre services with Asia’s number one connectivity. We connect providers of telecommunications, cloud, ISP, CDN, OTT from local, mainland China and global with enterprises of different businesses on our Asia leading data centre ecosystem.

SUNeVision forms MEGA Campus by extending the connectivity edge from highly connected MEGA-i to other high-tier data centres, including MEGA Gateway, MEGA IDC, MEGA Plus and MEGA Two. Facilities on MEGA Campus are interconnected through a dedicated dark fibre network and around 15,000 cross-connects. Together with City PoPs of major submarine cables in our facilities, we enable our customers for direct connections to multi-cloud platforms and multi-cloud exchanges with the best connectivity in town. The addition of cable landing stations HKIS-1 and HKIS-2 to our data centre portfolio will provide a one-stop-solution to cable owners and users, strengthening our position as the leading connectivity hub in Asia. We are committed to supporting Hong Kong as a regional information hub and a strategic gateway to mainland China.

For more information, please visit SUNeVision’s website, LinkedIn or WeChat.