Hedge funds are significantly boosting their bullish positions on US crude oil amidst global supply concerns and economic policies from China, affecting market dynamics.

Hedge funds reduce net-bullish crude positions, reflecting a cooling market sentiment influenced by trade concerns, the Ukraine conflict, and potential OPEC+ output changes.

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Commodity Index Funds Market Outlook

The global commodity index funds market size was valued at approximately $200 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $400 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The significant growth in this market can be attributed to the increasing demand for diversification in investment portfolios and the inherent benefits of hedging against inflation that commodity investments provide. Furthermore, the volatility in global stock markets and geopolitical uncertainties have led investors to seek safer, more stable investment avenues, thus driving the growth of commodity index funds.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the commodity index funds market is the rising awareness among investors about the advantages of commodity investments as a hedge against inflation. Commodities, unlike stocks and bonds, often move inversely to the stock market, providing a cushion during market downturns. This characteristic makes commodity index funds an attractive option for risk-averse investors and those looking to balance their portfolios. Additionally, the globalization of trade and the increasing demand for raw materials in emerging markets have further spurred the demand for commodity investments.

Technological advancements in trading platforms have also significantly contributed to the growth of this market. The advent of sophisticated online platforms has made it easier for retail investors to access and invest in commodity index funds. These platforms offer a range of tools and resources that help investors make informed decisions, thereby democratizing access to commodity investments. Moreover, the rise of robo-advisors and algorithm-based trading strategies has further simplified the investment process, attracting a new generation of tech-savvy investors.

The regulatory landscape has also played a crucial role in shaping the commodity index funds market. Governments and financial regulatory bodies across the globe have been working to create a transparent and secure trading environment. Regulatory reforms aimed at reducing market manipulation and increasing transparency have instilled confidence among investors, thereby boosting the market. Additionally, tax incentives and favorable policies for commodity investments in various countries have also contributed to market growth.

In terms of regional outlook, North America holds a significant share of the global commodity index funds market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The presence of well-established financial markets and a high level of investor awareness in North America are key factors driving the market in this region. Europe, with its strong regulatory framework and increasing adoption of alternative investment strategies, is also witnessing substantial growth. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, driven by the rapid economic growth in countries like China and India, and the increasing interest in commodity investments among institutional and retail investors.

Fund Type Analysis

When analyzing the market by fund type, Broad Commodity Index Funds dominate the landscape. These funds invest in a diversified portfolio of commodities, making them a popular choice for investors seeking broad exposure to the commodity markets. The broad commodity index funds are designed to track the performance of a basket of commodities, ranging from energy products to metals and agricultural goods. This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with the volatility of individual commodities, thereby providing a more stable investment option for risk-averse investors.

Single Commodity Index Funds, on the other hand, focus on specific commodities such as gold, oil, or agricultural products. These funds appeal to investors who have a strong conviction about the performance of a particular commodity. For instance, during periods of economic uncertainty, gold-focused funds often see a surge in demand as investors flock to the safe-haven asset. Similarly, energy-focused funds attract investors when there are disruptions in oil supply or significant geopolitical events affecting oil prices. While these funds offer the potential for high returns, they also come with higher risks due to their lack of diversification.

Sector Commodity Index Funds are another important segment within the commodity index funds market. These funds concentrate on commodities within a specific sector, such as energy, agriculture, or metals, allowing investors to target particular segments of the commo

South Korea's National Pension Service was the pension fund with the largest investment in oil, gas, and coal worldwide as of 2023, with nearly ** billion U.S. dollars invested. It was followed by Colombia's National Pension Fund, with investments in fossil fuels amounting to about **** billion U.S. dollars.

A list of the top 50 Barbara Oil Co holdings showing which stocks are owned by Barbara Oil Co's hedge fund.

The Report Covers Middle East and Africa Private Equity Firms and is segmented By Industry / Sector (Utilities, Oil & Gas, Financials, Technology, Healthcare, Consumer Goods & Services, and Others), By Investment Type (Venture Capital, Growth, Buyout, and Others), By Country (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, South Africa, and Rest of the Middle East and Africa).

Ebit Time Series for Apollo Global Management LLC Class A. Apollo Global Management, Inc. is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity, infrastructure, secondaries and real estate markets. The firm prefers to invest in private and public markets. The firm's private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth, venture capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions. For credit strategies, the firm focuses to invest in multi-sector credit, semi-liquid credit, direct lending, first lien, unitranche, whole loans and private credit. The firm provides its services to endowment and sovereign wealth funds, as well as other institutional and individual investors. It manages client focused portfolios. The firm launches and manages hedge funds for its clients. It also manages real estate funds and private equity funds for its clients. The firm invests in the fixed income and alternative investment markets across the globe. Its fixed income investments include income-oriented senior loans, bonds, collateralized loan obligations, structured credit, opportunistic credit, non-performing loans, distressed debt, mezzanine debt, and value oriented fixed income securities. The firm seeks to invest in chemicals, commodities, consumer and retail, oil and gas, metals, mining, agriculture, commodities, distribution and transportation, financial and business services, manufacturing and industrial, media distribution, cable, entertainment and leisure, telecom, technology, natural resources, energy, packaging and materials, and satellite and wireless industries. It also focuses on clean energy, sustainable industry, climate solutions, energy transition, industrial decarbonization, sustainable mobility, sustainable resource use, and sustainable real estate. It seeks to invest in companies based in across Africa, Asia, North

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity and real estate markets. The firm's private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions. The firm provides its services to endowment and sovereign wealth funds, as well as other institutional and individual investors. It manages client focused portfolios. The firm launches and manages hedge funds for its clients. It also manages real estate funds and private equity funds for its clients. The firm invests in the fixed income and alternative investment markets across the globe. Its fixed income investments include income-oriented senior loans, bonds, collateralized loan obligations, structured credit, opportunistic credit, non-performing loans, distressed debt, mezzanine debt, and value oriented fixed income securities. The firm seeks to invest in chemicals, commodities, consumer and retail, oil and gas, metals, mining, agriculture, commodities, distribution and transportation, financial and business services, manufacturing and industrial, media distribution, cable, entertainment and leisure, telecom, technology, natural resources, energy, packaging and materials, and satellite and wireless industries. It seeks to invest in companies based in across Africa, North America with a focus on United States, and Europe. The firm also makes investments outside North America, primarily in Western Europe and Asia. It employs a combination of contrarian, value, and distressed strategies to make its investments. The firm seeks to make investments in the range of $10 million and $1500 million. The firm seeks to invest in companies with Enterprise value between $750 million to $2500 million. The firm conducts an in-house research to create its investment portfolio. It seeks to acquire minority and majority positions in its portfolio companies. Apollo Global Management, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices in North America, Asia and Europe.

The Middle East and Africa Private Equity Fund industry is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 7% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Significant government initiatives promoting diversification away from oil and gas, coupled with a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem and increased foreign direct investment, are attracting substantial private equity capital. The region's strategic location, access to substantial reserves of natural resources, and a rapidly expanding young population further contribute to its appeal. The industry is segmented by both sector and investment type. Sectors like utilities, oil & gas, technology, and healthcare are attracting significant investment, reflecting both regional priorities and global trends. Investment types range from venture capital for early-stage ventures to buyouts targeting established businesses. Key players such as Investcorp, Mubadala, and others are driving this growth, actively seeking high-growth opportunities across the region's diverse markets. However, challenges remain. Geopolitical instability in certain regions and regulatory complexities can impede investment. Furthermore, competition for attractive investment opportunities is intensifying, both from regional and international private equity firms. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by sustained economic growth in several key markets within the Middle East and the continued attractiveness of the region for private equity investors. The market's expansion is expected to be particularly robust in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, benefiting from their advanced economies and supportive regulatory environments. The forecast suggests a significant increase in the overall market size throughout the projection period, reflecting both organic growth and new capital inflows. Recent developments include: In Jan 2022, Colliers, a services and investment management firm, improved its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with Eltizam Asset Management Group's (Eltizam) acquisition of Falcon Investments LLC, an associate partner that has been doing business in the region as Colliers since 1995. Colliers benefits from the competence in core real estate transactions and advisory services offered by Eltizam and the asset management services., In Jan 2022, BluePeak Private Capital an asset management firm announced its investment in Grit Real Estate Income Group Limited (Grit), a breakthrough pan-African real estate company. The investment o Grit's development plan to boost industrial and health facilities in East Africa improving access to essential goods and quality healthcare.. Notable trends are: Increase in Capital Deployment in Africa.

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As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Oil Exploration and Production market size is $3,588.98 Million in 2024 and it is forecasted to reach $5,116.57 Billion by 2031. Oil Exploration and Production Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 5.20% from 2024 to 2031. Market Dynamics of the Oil Exploration and Production Market

Market Driver for the Oil Exploration and Production Market

The increasing investment in oil sector by several government bodies worldwide elevates the market growth 

Many countries view a stable and secure energy supply as crucial for their economic development and national security. Investing in the oil sector helps ensure a reliable source of energy. Oil exploration and production contribute significantly to the economic growth of a country. Governments often invest in the oil sector to capitalize on the potential for high returns, which can be used to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and other essential programs. Despite efforts to transition to renewable energy sources, the global demand for oil remains high. Governments recognize the need to meet this demand and ensure a stable energy supply to support industrial processes, transportation, and other key sectors. The oil and gas industry encompasses activities linked to exploration, including the search for hydrocarbons, identification of high-potential areas for oil and gas extraction, test drilling, the construction of wells, and initial extraction. According to the Center on Global Energy Policy, data 2023, the 2021–22 period of high oil and gas prices did not lead to a significant increase in capital spending by private companies despite record profits. One exception has been upstream exploration and production (E&P) companies, whose capital spending in 2022 was the highest since 2014.   According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), data 2022, the oil and gas industry makes a significant contribution to the global economy and to its growth and development worldwide. The oil industry alone accounts for almost 3 per cent of global domestic product. The trade in crude oil reached US$640 billion in 2020, making it one of the world’s most traded commodities. Additionally, the industry is highly capital-intensive. Globally investments in oil and gas supply reached more than US$511 billion in 2020. According to the oil and gas industry outlook, data 2023, rapid recovery in demand, and geopolitical developments have driven oil prices to 2014 highs and upstream cash flows to record levels. In 2022, the global upstream industry is projected to generate its highest-ever free cash flows of $1.4 trillion at an assumed average Brent oil price of $106/bbl. Until now, the industry has practiced capital discipline and focused on cash flow generation and pay-out—2022 year-to-date average O&G production is up by 4.5% over the same period last year, while 2022 free cash flows per barrel of production is projected to be higher by nearly 70% over 2021. In addition, high commodity prices and growing concerns over energy security are creating urgency for many to diversify supply and accelerate the energy transition. As a result, clean energy investment by Oil &Gas companies has risen by an average of 12% each year since 2020 and is expected to account for an estimated 5% of total Oil & Gas capex spending in 2022, up from less than 2% in 2020.Therefore, investments made over recent decades enabled the United States to become a world leader in oil and natural gas production. Thus, owing to increased oil production, the demand for oil exploration and production has surged during the past few years.

The rising demand for oil across both commercial and residential sector is expected to drive the market growth 

Oil remains a primary source of energy for transportation, including cars, trucks, ships, and airplanes. The growing global population, urbanization, and increased industrial activity contribute to a rise in the number of vehicles and the overall demand for transportation fuels derived from oil, such as gasoline and diesel. Many industrial processes rely on oil and its by-products as energy sources and raw materials. Industries such as manufacturing, petrochemicals, and construction utilize oil-based products for various applications, including heating, power generation, and the production of pl...

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South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: Total: Extraction of Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mining Support Service Activities data was reported at -1.780 USD bn in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of -1.634 USD bn for 2021. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: Total: Extraction of Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mining Support Service Activities data is updated yearly, averaging -1.676 USD bn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2022, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of -347.656 USD mn in 2018 and a record low of -3.520 USD bn in 2015. South Korea Foreign Direct Investment Income: Outward: Total: Extraction of Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mining Support Service Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Income: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Reverse investment: Netting of reverse investment in equity (when a direct investment enterprise acquires less than 10% equity ownership in its parent) and reverse investment in debt (when a direct investment enterprise extends a loan to its parent) is applied in the recording of total inward and outward FDI transactions and positions. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle). FDI transactions and positions by partner country and/or by industry are available excluding and including resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs). The dataset 'FDI statistics by parner country and by industry - Summary' contains series excluding resident SPEs only. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted outward equity positions: Own funds at book value, Accumulation of FDI equity flows, Book values. Valuation method used for inward debt positions: Nominal value. Valuation method used for outward debt positions: Market value.; FDI statistics are available by geographic allocation, vis-à-vis single partner countries worldwide and geographical and economic zones aggregates. Partner country allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Geographic allocation of inward and outward FDI transactions and positions is according to the immediate counterparty. Intercompany debt between related financial intermediaries, including permanent debt, are excluded from FDI transactions and positions. Direct investment relationships are identified according to the criteria of the Framework for Direct Investment Relationship (FDIR). Fellow enterprises are partially covered in FDI transactions and positions. However given the reporting treshold, almost all of the value of transactions of fellows are covered in the statistics. Collective investment institutions are included as direct investment enterprises. Non-profit institutions serving households are included as direct investors (outward FDI transactions and positions). FDI statistics are available by industry sectors according to ISIC4 classification. Industry sector allocation can be subject to confidentiality restrictions. Inward FDI transactions and positions are allocated to the activity of the resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI transactions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Outward FDI positions are allocated according to the activity of the non resident direct investment enterprise. Statistical unit: Enterprise.

A list of the top 50 Soros Fund Management holdings showing which stocks are owned by George Soros's hedge fund.

The African oil and gas market is experiencing robust growth, projected to maintain a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5.50% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by increasing energy demand across the continent, fueled by population growth and industrialization. Significant investments in exploration and production activities, particularly in Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt, are further contributing to market expansion. However, challenges such as price volatility, geopolitical instability in certain regions, and the global push towards renewable energy sources pose constraints. The market is segmented by type (upstream, midstream, downstream) and geography, with Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt representing significant portions of the market share. Upstream activities, encompassing exploration and production, are expected to witness substantial growth, driven by the discovery of new reserves and enhanced recovery techniques. Midstream and downstream segments, involving processing, transportation, and refining, will also experience growth, although potentially at a slightly slower pace than upstream due to existing infrastructure limitations and the need for further investment. Major international oil companies such as Shell, TotalEnergies, Eni, and ExxonMobil, along with state-owned entities like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, play crucial roles in shaping the market dynamics. The long-term outlook remains positive, anticipating continued growth, albeit subject to the successful mitigation of existing challenges and adaptation to evolving global energy landscapes. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of multinational corporations and national oil companies. While multinational companies bring advanced technology and financial resources, national oil companies retain significant control over domestic resources. Strategic partnerships between these entities are likely to increase in the coming years to facilitate exploration, production, and infrastructure development. The market's future success hinges on addressing environmental concerns, promoting sustainable practices, and developing robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible resource management and economic benefits for the respective nations. This necessitates further investment in infrastructure, skilled labor, and technological advancements to harness the market's potential fully while minimizing its environmental footprint. A continued focus on exploration and development of new reserves will be crucial in maintaining the long-term growth trajectory. Recent developments include: In January 2022, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd secured a USD 5 billion commitment from the African Export-Import Bank to fund its major investment in the Nigerian upstream sector. The repayment of this funding is expected to be done through a forward sale arrangement, whereby the funds will constitute the payment purchase of 90-120 kpd of crude to be delivered to the lender within a four to eight-year period., In February 2022, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission announced the "Industry-Wide Oil Revenue Recovery Initiative" to recover the missed revenue on account of crude oil loss due to illegal tapping of pipelines. Per the petroleum commission, it is likely to recover double the country's output from 1.5 million barrels of oil per day to 3 million barrels per day in the upcoming years.. Notable trends are: Upstream Segment to dominate the Market.

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Slovakia SK: Foreign Direct Investment Position: Inward: USD: Total: Extraction of Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mining Support Service Activities data was reported at -32.277 USD mn in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of -18.753 USD mn for 2017. Slovakia SK: Foreign Direct Investment Position: Inward: USD: Total: Extraction of Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mining Support Service Activities data is updated yearly, averaging -4.586 USD mn from Dec 2013 (Median) to 2018, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 173.499 USD mn in 2013 and a record low of -32.277 USD mn in 2018. Slovakia SK: Foreign Direct Investment Position: Inward: USD: Total: Extraction of Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas: Mining Support Service Activities data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Slovakia – Table SK.OECD.FDI: Foreign Direct Investment Position: USD: by Industry: OECD Member: Annual. Treatment of debt FDI transactions and positions between fellow enterprises: directional basis according to the residency of the ultimate controlling parent (extended directional principle).; Under the directional presentation , the direct investment flows and positions are organised according to the direction of the investment for the reporting economy-either outward or inward . So, for a particular country, all flows and positions of direct investors resident in that economy are shown under outward investment and all flows and positions for direct investment enterprises resident in that economy are shown under inward investment. The directional presentation reflects the direction of influence. For more details, see a complete note on ' Asset/liability versus directional presentation '; FDI financial flows are cross-border transactions between affiliated parties (direct investors, direct investment enterprises and/or fellow enterprises) recorded during the reference period (typically year or quarter). FDI positions represent the value of the stock of direct investments held at the end of the reference period (typically year or quarter). The change in direct investment positions from one period to the next is equal to the value of financial transactions recorded during the period plus other changes in prices, exchange rates, and volume. FDI income data are closely linked to the stocks of investments and are used for analysis of the productivity of the investment and calculation of the rate of return on the total funds invested. The main financial instrument components of FDI are equity and debt instruments. Equity includes common and preferred shares (exclusive of non-participating preference shares which should be included under debt), reserves, capital contributions and reinvestment of earnings. Dividends, distributed branch earnings, reinvested earnings and undistributed branch earnings are components of FDI income on equity . Reinvested earnings and reinvestment of earnings are separately identified components of equity in FDI income data and in FDI financial flows. Debt instruments include marketable securities such as bonds, debentures, commercial paper, promissory notes, non-participating preference shares and other tradable non-equity securities as well as loans, deposits, trade credit and other accounts payable/ receivable.The interest returns on the above instruments are included in FDI income on debt .; Resident Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) do not exist or are not significant and are recorded as zero in the FDI database. Valuation method used for listed inward and outward equity positions: Market value, Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for unlisted inward and outward equity positions: Own funds at book value. Valuation method used for inward and outward debt positions: Nominal value.

As of 2024, the global landscape of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) largely featured the Middle East. Despite not ranking among the largest global State-Owned Investors (SOIs), the Middle East was home to **** of the top ***SWFs worldwide. The ******* SWF was the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, managing assets just shy of *** trillion U.S. dollars. Asia also played a prominent role in the global SWF landscape. ***** of the world's leading SWFs were domiciled in Asia, the ******* of which was the China Investment Corporation. What are sovereign wealth funds? Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned and are comprised of a wide array of financial assets including stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, and other financial instruments. In the main, sovereign wealth funds are funded by foreign-exchange reserves, assets which are held by monetary authorities or central banks in the form of U.S. dollars and other leading world currencies as a way of backing liabilities. Who holds the SWF? A state’s central bank will generally hold the sovereign wealth fund; in the process of its management of a nations funds or banking system funds will be accumulated. These types of state fund are of major economic and fiscal importance, and may be implemented for different objectives: protect the economy against sudden shocks, hedge against the problem of an aging population, or to foster socio-economic development.