Overview of U.S. EIA Refinery Crude Runs Data
The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported an increase in refinery crude runs with a change of 0.321 million barrels per day as of March 12, 2025. This marks a significant turnaround from the previous measure, which saw a decrease of 0.346 million barrels per day. Though the impact of this change is categorized as low, the rise in crude runs could have broader implications for both domestic and global markets.
Implications for the United States and Global Markets
The uptick in refinery crude runs indicates increased refinery activity, suggesting that demand for refined petroleum products may be on the rise in the United States. This increase is a positive signal for the economy, indicative of heightened industrial and consumer activity. On a global scale, these changes can influence oil prices, affecting worldwide energy markets and further emphasizing the interconnected nature of global economies.
Best Stocks to Consider
- ExxonMobil (XOM) – A significant player in refining, poised to benefit from increased refinery activity.
- Chevron (CVX) – Another major oil corporation with substantial refining capabilities.
- Valero Energy (VLO) – As a leading independent oil refiner, Valero will directly benefit from increased crude processing.
- Marathon Petroleum (MPC) – Positioned to capitalize on robust refinery operations.
- Phillips 66 (PSX) – With strong refining assets, higher runs could enhance profitability.
Recommended Exchanges
- New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) – Trades top energy stocks like ExxonMobil and Chevron.
- NASDAQ – Offers various energy sector ETFs that respond to refinery output changes.
- Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) – A hub for trading energy sector derivatives.
- Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) – Key for trading energy commodities, including crude oil.
- Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) – Influential in the trading of international energy futures.
Options to Explore
- Crude Oil Call Options – Prospective gains if the oil price rises with increased refinery use.
- Energy Sector ETFs – Beneficiaries of overall sector recovery.
- Valero Energy Call Options – Allows leverage on positive crude runs changes.
- Refinery Index Options – Tracking the performance of refining industry stocks.
- Chevron Put Options – Hedging strategy if expectations are contrary.
Currencies and Their Correlations
- USD (U.S. Dollar) – Strengthens as oil-based economic activities rise.
- CAD (Canadian Dollar) – Closely tied to the energy sector, especially oil.
- NOK (Norwegian Krone) – Often linked to fluctuations in oil markets.
- RUB (Russian Ruble) – Oil-driven economy that’s reactive to these changes.
- AUD (Australian Dollar) – Correlates with global commodity cycles.
Cryptocurrencies to Watch
- Bitcoin (BTC) – As an emerging store of value, indirectly affected by global economic shifts.
- Ethereum (ETH) – Tightly linked to economic activity through blockchain innovation.
- Ripple (XRP) – Favorably impacted by increased financial transactions tied to energy trades.
- Chainlink (LINK) – Emerging as a player connecting real-world data like oil prices to the blockchain.
- Polkadot (DOT) – Benefits from increased blockchain adoption in commodity trading.
While the immediate impact of the refinery crude runs change is deemed low, its implications may ripple across various markets. Investors and traders are encouraged to consider strategic positions in related stocks, options, commodities, currencies, and cryptocurrencies, influenced by this dynamic development in the energy sector.
