Connect with us

Media OutReach

Octa’s oil outlook: Middle East tensions threaten global supply

Published

on

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 June 2025 – Crude oil, which is arguably the world’s most important commodity, is on everybody’s mind right now. The flared up conflict in the Middle East is increasing risks of a major oil supply shock, potentially pushing the price of ‘black gold’ into the stratosphere and completely derailing the global economy. In this article, Octa, a global retail broker, shares its expert opinion on the unfolding situation and outlines possible scenarios for the global oil market.

As it often happens, the market started to price in the possibility of a new conflict in the Middle East well in advance. On 11 June, oil prices rose more than 4% after reports surfaced that the U.S. was preparing to evacuate its Iraqi embassy due to heightened security concerns in the region. Two days later, Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes, pushing both Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the world’s two major oil benchmarks, to five-month highs as investors anticipated potential supply disruptions from an open conflict. To this day, the conflict continues without resolution and oil prices remain elevated even as there are some telltale signs that the parties may be willing to negotiate.

‘This burgeoning unrest introduces an unprecedented degree of volatility, significantly amplifying the specter of a catastrophic oil supply shock’, argues Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, adding that the conflict between Israel and Iran ‘carries ominous potential to propel crude prices to unprecedented levels, thereby unleashing a cascade of detrimental effects that could, in the most dire of scenarios, cause a major global economic crisis’.

Indeed, the Middle East in general and Iran in particular play a pivotal role in global energy markets. A substantial portion of the world’s crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) is produced and exported in this region. Iran itself, despite the existing sanctions on exports, remains an important supplier of oil—notably, for China. Furthermore, a vast number of ships carrying crude oil and LNG transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow yet vital chokepoint that Iran has repeatedly threatened to close. Should Iran act on this threat and block the strait, the repercussions would be quite severe, likely pushing global crude oil prices well above $100 per barrel, or even higher, due to the significant disruption of supply.

Technically, if we look at a broader, long-term picture, WTI crude oil seems to be moving sideways with a minor bearish tilt. On a daily chart (see below), the price still has not escaped from the bearish parallel channel. However, due to the latest geopolitical news, the price has managed to rise above the 200-day moving average (MA) and seems poised to break above the critically important 77.60-78.00 area.

‘Breaching the $80 handle should not be difficult if the current situation deteriorates sharply’, says Kar Yong Ang. ‘Continuing destruction of oil infrastructure in Iran, potential U.S. involvement in the war, countries’ unwillingness to negotiate and, above all else, Iran’s attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz, all of this will have a bullish impact on prices’. Indeed, a break above 80 level, would open the way towards 83.40, 85.20, 87.30, and 90.00 area.

Alternatively, in case the hostilities moderate somewhat, other countries—particularly the U.S.—refrain from directly participating in the conflict, and both Israel and Iran express willingness to negotiate, bearish sentiment will immediately kick in. ‘I think WTI oil may lose as much as 5 dollars per barrel in the blink of an eye should we see some progress in nuclear negotiations between Europeans and Iranians, which are due to commence in Geneva this Friday’, concludes Kar Yong Ang. In this scenario, a break below 71.50 level would allow bears to target 67.80, 64.80 and 61.70.

Overall, WTI crude price is now stuck in a broad range between $70 and $80. The move above and below these two levels will essentially indicate if the situation in the region is getting worse or is getting better. The chart below shows potential bullish and bearish targets, marked in green and red, respectively.

NYMEX light sweet crude oil (WTI) daily chart
Source: TradingView, Octa analysis and calculations
Source: TradingView, Octa analysis and calculations

___

Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

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 improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support 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.

Advertisement

Media OutReach

Credo Assurance Earns ESG Certification to Support Sustainability Reporting

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – Credo Assurance, an ACRA-registered audit firm in Singapore, has obtained the ISCA Professional Certification in Sustainability Assurance. The recognition has reflected its readiness to conduct independent reviews of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting in accordance with established standards.

Credo Assurance Earns ESG Certification to Support Sustainability Reporting

A Response to a Changing Regulatory Environment
Singapore’s corporate sustainability environment has undergone a major transformation in recent years. What began as voluntary corporate social responsibility is now transitioning into a regulated requirement driven by new disclosure mandates. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) requires all listed companies to publish sustainability reports, with climate-related disclosures to be aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework.

These developments mirror global trends, including the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the proposed climate disclosure rules by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Notably, these frameworks are influencing supply chains and investment decisions worldwide.

A Commitment to Rigorous Standards and Responsible Practice
The certification was issued by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) under the Professional Certification in Sustainability Assurance programme, which focuses on the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA 5000). The curriculum also covers key frameworks, such as ISAE 3000, ISO 14064-3, and the reporting principles set out by the Sustainability Reporting Advisory Committee (SRAC).

Participants undergo six months of structured e-learning and a three-day capstone assessment module, which includes a comprehensive 65-question examination. The programme integrates the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and other global reporting standards.

“The certification demonstrates our firm’s dedication to professional rigour and to supporting Singapore’s transition toward a sustainable, transparent economy,” as revealed by Ethan Ong, Director of Credo Assurance. “We aim to strengthen stakeholder confidence and enhance the quality of ESG reporting.”

New Sustainability Assurance Services to Support Businesses Across Sectors
Building on this certification, Credo Assurance has launched its sustainability assurance service. The firm will provide assurance on ESG disclosures, assess internal data controls, and advise on alignment with recognised frameworks such as GRI, ISSB, TCFD, and SASB. In addition, the service covers climate audit and reporting, ESG data verification, and training programmes to help companies integrate sustainability practices into daily operations.

Credo Assurance’s new offering aims to support a wide spectrum of organisations, from listed companies preparing for upcoming SGX requirements to SMEs participating in global supply chains. Industries with significant environmental or social footprints, such as energy, construction, manufacturing, transport, and real estate, are expected to benefit most from independent verification. These services also extend to firms seeking ESG-linked financing or those aiming to enhance their brand credibility and investor trust through transparent reporting.

Shaping the Future of ESG Assurance in Singapore
As Singapore moves toward mandatory climate-related disclosures in 2025, ESG assurance is set to become essential in the audit and accounting sector. Independent verification of non-financial information, such as carbon emissions, labour practices, or governance metrics, helps ensure sustainability reports present accountable and measurable performance.

“ESG assurance is the next evolution of trust in business reporting,” said Mr Ong. “It applies the principles of audit integrity to sustainability, enabling companies to demonstrate both their financial performance and their broader responsibility to society and the environment.”
Hashtag: #CredoAssurance #AccountingFirmSingapore #ESGAssurance


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

About Credo Assurance

Credo Assurance LLP is an ACRA-registered public in Singapore. They provide audit, accounting, and advisory services to both businesses and individuals, helping clients navigate complex regulatory requirements and economic challenges.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Understanding Credit Exemptions at SIM: A Guide for Polytechnic and SIM GE Diploma Graduates

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – For Polytechnic and SIM GE diploma graduates aspiring to pursue a degree, one common consideration is the time required to complete their studies. SIM Global Education (SIM GE) offers credit exemptions and advanced standing options that may shorten the duration of selected programmes, subject to prior qualifications and programme-specific requirements.

Understanding Credit Exemptions

Credit exemptions enable students to receive recognition for modules previously completed during prior studies. This eliminates the need to repeat similar content, allowing eligible students to focus on new areas of learning. This practice, widely adopted in higher education, ensures students build upon existing knowledge while meeting the academic standards of their chosen degree programme.

Eligibility and Assessment

Credit exemptions at SIM GE are not granted automatically. Each application undergoes a rigorous evaluation to maintain academic integrity. The assessment considers several factors, including the relevance of previous qualifications to the chosen degree, the level and content of prior modules compared to the programme requirements, and the accreditation and recognition of the awarding institution. Through these measures, SIM GE ensures flexibility for students with diverse educational backgrounds while upholding academic excellence.

Types of Exemptions Available

SIM offers several pathways for credit exemptions, depending on prior qualifications and programme requirements. Holders of relevant Polytechnic or equivalent diplomas may receive exemptions that can reduce the overall study duration by up to one year, subject to programme-specific criteria and GPA requirements. Students who have completed SIM GE diplomas or other recognized qualifications may be eligible for advanced standing when enrolling in selected partner university programmes offered through SIM Global Education. For applicants with qualifications outside standard frameworks, exemptions are assessed individually on a case-by-case basis to ensure alignment with academic standards and programme requirements.

Key Information for Applicants

Credit exemptions are designed to acknowledge prior learning while ensuring that all students meet the academic standards of their chosen programme. They are not guaranteed and vary based on factors such as the relevance of previous qualifications, programme requirements, and institutional recognition. Applicants are encouraged to review the specific exemption policies for their intended programme and seek guidance from SIM Counsellors to understand their options.

References:

  1. SIM GE University Partners – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

30 Million Strong: China Changan Automobile Group Hits Historic Production Milestone, Ushering in New Era of User-Centric, Tech-Driven Global Growth

Published

on

CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 December 2025 – China Changan Automobile Group today celebrated a historic achievement as its 30 millionth vehicle—an AVATR 12 Quad-Laser Edition—rolled off the line at the AVATR Digital Intelligence Factory. The milestone signals Changan’s evolution into a global intelligent mobility technology company.

“Changan remains committed to delivering smarter, greener, and more fulfilling mobility, meeting the aspirations of global users for a better future.” said Zhu Huarong, Chairman of China Changan Automobile Group.

Uncompromising Safety: The “Safe Journey Home”

Safety is Changan’s top priority, a commitment dating back to 1999 with China’s first minivan crash test. Since then, the company has advanced its protective capabilities from passive safety structures to today’s active safety interventions. Backed by the industry’s only State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology, Changan uses its proprietary CA-ITVS verification system to subject vehicles to over 5 million kilometers of testing—guaranteeing a lifespan of 10 years or 260,000 kilometers.

In the smart era, Changan is redefining protection with its newly launched “SDA Intelligence”. Moving beyond physical defense, SDA Intelligence introduces a holistic safety ecosystem that secures both passengers and their data, ensuring a “Safe Journey Home” in every dimension.

Tech-Driven: Innovations That Matter

Driven by its Green and Intelligent strategies, Changan is bringing tangible innovations to market. The Green Plan targets electrification, battery safety, and new energy vehicle ecosystems, while the Intelligent Plan advances vehicle intelligence, autonomous systems, and connectivity. Key breakthroughs include the Golden Shield Battery system for superior safety, and the high-frequency pulse heating for cold-weather efficiency. The BlueCore 3.0 powertrain delivers hybrid and ICE solutions, balancing high performance with exceptional fuel economy. These technologies ensure that every journey is efficient and reliable.

A Bold Future: Smart Mobility and Global Reach

Looking ahead to 2030, Changan has unveiled a visionary roadmap to rank among the world’s top 10 automotive brands with annual sales of 5 million units. By 2030, Changan expects over 60% of sales to be new energy vehicles and 30% to come from overseas markets, solidifying its place on the world stage.

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

Continue Reading

Trending