Energy

Barclays Capital’s analysis of monthly seasonal trends shows March is usually a positive month for equities, as well as for oil and natural gas.

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities with positives for platinum, coal and iron ore, a ook at oil and base metals and an update on fertiliser prices.

Violent clashes in Iran; troops deployed in Oman; cleric detained in Saudi Arabia; Libyan assets frozen. Oil soars and stocks tumble. Dow down 168.

Wall Street has shrugged off Libya and turned back to local data in providing a solid month-end. Dow up 95.

Wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead.

A brief look at important company events and economic data releases next week.

Oil and stocks rocked and rolled last night on the Twitter-flow of rumours out of Libya. Dow down 37. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)

ANZ Banking Group suggests the current political unrest in the Middle East could see oil prices spike by as much as US$20 per barrel.

Saudi Arabia has moved to head off revolt with a huge social assistance package while the madman is still ranting in Libya. Oil surged last night, Wall Street fell. Dow down 107. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)

The current “price of oil” is not US$85 per barrel, it’s over US$100 per barrel. That’s because the West Texas Intermediate price is no longer a valid indicator.