Glossary · from the DESK dictionary
Crude Oil
Unrefined petroleum as extracted from the ground, the most widely traded commodity in the world.
In plain words
The raw material refined into gasoline, diesel, and countless other products — a central engine of the world economy.
What it means for traders
A central commodity asset class with far-reaching influence on inflation and the global economy.
Common pitfalls
Extremely volatile and highly dependent on geopolitics, OPEC decisions, and demand swings.
Related terms
ARA (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) · Baker Hughes Rig Count · Barrels Per Day (BPD) · Downstream · EIA Petroleum Status Report · Energy Derivative · Energy Return on Investment (EROI) · Energy Sector · Fuel Oil · S&P GSCI (Goldman Sachs Commodity Index) · Hard Commodity · Heavy Crude Oil · Hotelling's Rule · International Energy Agency (IEA) · OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) · Paper Barrels · Commodity · Strategic Petroleum Reserve · Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) · Vegetable Oils · WTI-Brent Spread
From the DESK dictionary. For information only, not investment advice.
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DESK is a research tool and not investment advice. Page generated: 2026-10-12.