The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Energy, Agriculture, and More in 2025

As the world’s top investment manager and financial market journalist, I am here to guide you through the latest trends and opportunities in the market. The year has started off strong, especially in the energy sector, with oil prices trading above $76/bbl despite a comfortable oil balance for 2025. The strength in the market is driven by a stronger physical market in the Middle East, with Asian buyers turning to other Middle Eastern grades amid sanctions against Russia and Iran. There are also concerns over potential sanctions against Iran under the new administration, which could tighten the market further.

In the European market, TTF prices broke above EUR50/MWh last week, supported by the halt of Russian pipeline flows via Ukraine. With colder-than-usual weather forecasted for the next two weeks, storage levels are expected to fall at a quicker pace, providing further support to European gas prices. While Europe should comfortably get through this winter, refilling storage during the injection season will be crucial for summer prices.

In the agriculture sector, Argentina’s crop plantings are progressing well, with corn and soybean planting areas remaining unchanged for the 2024/25 season. However, the lack of rain is starting to impact crop conditions. The USDA’s weekly export sales report showed weak grain shipments for the week ending 26 December, with lower export sales for corn, soybeans, and wheat compared to previous weeks.

Analysis:

Overall, the energy market is showing strength due to geopolitical factors and demand from Asia, while the European gas market is supported by supply disruptions and weather forecasts. In the agriculture sector, crop plantings in Argentina are on track, but weather conditions could impact crop yields. Investors should keep an eye on geopolitical developments and weather patterns to make informed investment decisions in these markets.