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ICE Brent futures, choices hit record highs on rising volatility

Open interest for Brent crude oil futures and volumes of alternatives traded on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) hit record highs recently, the exchange said on Tuesday, as dispute in the Middle East fueled volatility in the oil market.

International standard Brent futures for December shipment have fluctuated between a high of $80.93 per barrel and a low of $ 73.06 per barrel this month, driven mainly by the ongoing dispute in the Middle East.

CONTEXT

Brent acts as a bellwether for worldwide oil markets and a. barometer for 75% of worldwide traded crude, according to the. ICE.

War in the Middle East has presented a danger to global oil. circulations, driving greater trading activity and pushing financiers to. raise the geopolitical danger premium when trading crude futures.

Markets are currently awaiting Israel's reaction to Iran's. ballistic missile attack at the start of the month.

BY THE NUMBERS

ICE Brent reached record open interest of 6.4 million. contracts on Oct. 18, exceeding the previous record in April. 2020, according to the ICE. Brent open interest is up a 5th on. the year throughout futures and options.

Overall oil choices traded saw a record volume of more than. 593,800 contracts on Oct. 15, while Brent choices hit a trading. record of nearly 542,000 agreements on the exact same day. Oil futures. fell 4% on that day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin. Netanyahu stated the country would not target Iranian nuclear and. oil sites.

CRUCIAL QUOTE

We understand our customers are navigating very difficult. market conditions this year, said Jeff Barbuto, global head of. Oil Markets at ICE.

(source: Reuters)