Brent Crude Tops $90 as Investors Raise Year-End Price Forecasts

Brent crude has climbed above $90 a barrel, and investors now expect the benchmark to stay higher through the end of the year than they did in July. According to a Bank of America survey, market participants forecast Brent to average $76 per barrel by December—up from earlier projections. The shift reflects growing confidence in sustained demand and tighter supply conditions. The price move marks a notable rebound for oil markets, which have faced volatility from geopolitical tensions and production decisions by major exporters. Analysts note that the $90 threshold could influence fuel costs globally, with potential knock-on effects for inflation and consumer spending. While the survey points to a softer average for the full year, the current rally suggests traders are bracing for near-term strength. The final quarter will depend on output policy from OPEC+ and the pace of economic activity in key consuming regions.