Why Is WTI Trading Above Brent in 2026? The Surprising Oil Curve Signal Traders Must Watch
Why is WTI trading above Brent in 2026? It does not necessarily mean WTI has replaced Brent as the global benchmark. Instead, it reflects a distorted front-end oil curve caused by contract timing differences, steep backwardation, and a scramble for prompt U.S. crude, with record physical premiums confirming that the market stress was real.










