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.

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.

Download Historical TOCOM Crude Oil Futures Data. CQG daily, 1 minute, tick, and level 1 data from 1899.

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

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 aimed at diversifying economies away from oil dependence, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are attracting substantial private equity investment. Furthermore, the region's burgeoning technology sector, coupled with a growing middle class and increasing consumer spending, presents lucrative investment opportunities. The rise of family offices and sovereign wealth funds within the region further contributes to the industry's growth, providing significant capital for investment. While regulatory hurdles and geopolitical instability present some challenges, the overall outlook remains positive. The diversification of investment strategies, including a notable increase in investments in renewable energy and healthcare, demonstrates the market's dynamism and adaptation to evolving global trends. The active participation of both regional and international private equity firms, such as Investcorp, Mubadala, and others, indicates a strong level of confidence in the long-term potential of the Middle East and Africa private equity market. Segment analysis reveals a strong presence across various sectors. Utilities, Oil & Gas, and Financials remain attractive targets, reflecting the region's infrastructural development and financial sector expansion. However, the technology and healthcare sectors are experiencing accelerated growth, attracting considerable investment due to their high growth potential. Venture capital investments are increasingly prevalent, indicating a focus on early-stage companies with disruptive technologies. Growth and buyout strategies are also prominent, reflecting the diverse investment opportunities available across various stages of company development. The geographic distribution of investments is concentrated in the key markets of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though expansion into other countries in the region is gradually increasing, indicating a growing regional diversification of the private equity fund landscape. Considering the provided data, it is reasonable to expect continued expansion driven by economic reforms and a focus on diversification throughout the forecast period. This comprehensive report offers an in-depth analysis of the Middle East and Africa private equity fund industry, providing invaluable insights for investors, fund managers, and industry stakeholders. The study period covers 2019-2033, with a base year of 2025 and a forecast period of 2025-2033. We analyze market trends, key players, and growth opportunities across various sectors and investment types, including Venture Capital, Buyout, and Growth Capital, within the MENA region and the broader African continent. 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.

Download Historical Crude Oil (Settlement) Futures Data. CQG daily, 1 minute, tick, and level 1 data from 1899.

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.

Ebitda Time Series for Blackstone Group Inc. Blackstone Inc. is an alternative asset management firm specializing in private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage, seed, middle market, mature, late venture, growth capital, emerging growth and later stage companies. It also provide capital markets services. The real estate segment specializes in opportunistic, core+ investments as well as debt investment opportunities collateralized by commercial real estate, and stabilized income-oriented commercial real estate across North America, Europe and Asia. The firm's corporate private equity business pursues transactions throughout the world across a variety of transaction types, including large buyouts, recapitalization, special situations, distressed mortgage loans, mid-cap buyouts, buy and build platforms, which involves multiple acquisitions behind a single management team and platform, and growth equity/development projects involving significant majority stakes in portfolio companies and minority investments in operating companies, shipping, real estate, corporate or consumer loans, and alternative energy greenfield development projects in energy and power, property, dislocated markets, shipping opportunities, financial institution breakups, re-insurance, and improving freight mobility, financial services, cargo, data processing, oil & gas production, oil & gas refining, oil & gas storage, building products, home entertainment, B2B, consumer electronics, home supply store, lodging, commercial services & supplies, metal & mineral mining machinery, coal, hazardous waste collection, solid waste collection, waste water treatment, renewable electricity, equity REITs, power generation by nuclear & fossil fuels, personal loan services, chemcials, other specialty retail, biotech, pharmaceuticals, metal, aerospace, healthcare, cable, entertainment services, infrastructure services, transportation infrastructure, exhaust, life scienc

Download Historical Crude Oil-WTI Futures Data. CQG daily, 1 minute, tick, and level 1 data from 1899.

Return-On-Total-Capital Time Series for Blackstone Group Inc. Blackstone Inc. is an alternative asset management firm specializing in private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage, seed, middle market, mature, late venture, growth capital, emerging growth and later stage companies. It also provide capital markets services. The real estate segment specializes in opportunistic, core+ investments as well as debt investment opportunities collateralized by commercial real estate, and stabilized income-oriented commercial real estate across North America, Europe and Asia. The firm's corporate private equity business pursues transactions throughout the world across a variety of transaction types, including large buyouts, recapitalization, special situations, distressed mortgage loans, mid-cap buyouts, buy and build platforms, which involves multiple acquisitions behind a single management team and platform, and growth equity/development projects involving significant majority stakes in portfolio companies and minority investments in operating companies, shipping, real estate, corporate or consumer loans, and alternative energy greenfield development projects in energy and power, property, dislocated markets, shipping opportunities, financial institution breakups, re-insurance, and improving freight mobility, financial services, cargo, data processing, oil & gas production, oil & gas refining, oil & gas storage, building products, home entertainment, B2B, consumer electronics, home supply store, lodging, commercial services & supplies, metal & mineral mining machinery, coal, hazardous waste collection, solid waste collection, waste water treatment, renewable electricity, equity REITs, power generation by nuclear & fossil fuels, personal loan services, chemcials, other specialty retail, biotech, pharmaceuticals, metal, aerospace, healthcare, cable, entertainment services, infrastructure services, transportation infrastructure, exhaust, life scienc

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).

Days-of-Sales-Outstanding Time Series for Blackstone Group Inc. Blackstone Inc. is an alternative asset management firm specializing in private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies. The firm typically invests in early-stage, seed, middle market, mature, late venture, growth capital, emerging growth and later stage companies. It also provide capital markets services. The real estate segment specializes in opportunistic, core+ investments as well as debt investment opportunities collateralized by commercial real estate, and stabilized income-oriented commercial real estate across North America, Europe and Asia. The firm's corporate private equity business pursues transactions throughout the world across a variety of transaction types, including large buyouts, recapitalization, special situations, distressed mortgage loans, mid-cap buyouts, buy and build platforms, which involves multiple acquisitions behind a single management team and platform, and growth equity/development projects involving significant majority stakes in portfolio companies and minority investments in operating companies, shipping, real estate, corporate or consumer loans, and alternative energy greenfield development projects in energy and power, property, dislocated markets, shipping opportunities, financial institution breakups, re-insurance, and improving freight mobility, financial services, cargo, data processing, oil & gas production, oil & gas refining, oil & gas storage, building products, home entertainment, B2B, consumer electronics, home supply store, lodging, commercial services & supplies, metal & mineral mining machinery, coal, hazardous waste collection, solid waste collection, waste water treatment, renewable electricity, equity REITs, power generation by nuclear & fossil fuels, personal loan services, chemcials, other specialty retail, biotech, pharmaceuticals, metal, aerospace, healthcare, cable, entertainment services, infrastructure services, transportation infrastructure, exhaust, life scienc

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...

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.

Download Historical Bean Oil (Combined) Futures Data. CQG daily, 1 minute, tick, and level 1 data from 1899.

As of August 2025, the fund with the third-lowest return based on net asset value (NAV) was Back Rocks iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF. The iShares U.S. Oil Equipment & Services ETF ranked second lowest with a one-year NAV return of -22.48 percent. The lowest performing fund by NAV one-year return was iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF with a NAV of -25.61 percent.

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