Less aloof, more assertive

摘要

Oil prices will of course be an important issue throughout the year. Since summer, the price of Brent crude has plunged. Higher shale production in the US, an unwillingness by OPEC to cut its own production, and an energy demand slowdown in China -these are just some of the factors shaping a complex situation. Low prices have big implications for exporting countries like Iran, Russia and Venezuela. But also for shale-producers in the US, and even the domestic budgets of producers in the Gulf states. In consuming nations, low oil prices are an economic boon stimulating growth and demand.