Sometimes it feels like the IEA and OPEC reports paint slightly different pictures on demand growth. Does anyone find one more reliable or insightful than the other, or do you take an average approach when forming your own outlook?
I've noticed the same. I tend to lean slightly more on the IEA for a less biased view, given OPEC's vested interest in higher prices. But taking an average or considering the range is probably the most balanced approach.
Honestly, I think both have their biases and it's less about which is 'right' and more about understanding the narratives they're pushing. I use both to understand the full spectrum of market sentiment, then do my own crunching.
It's not just demand; even supply figures can vary. I usually track the direction they're both heading rather than getting hung up on the exact numbers. If both are forecasting a slowdown, that's the key takeaway for me.