Retail Investors Bet 87.2 Billion Won on Falling Oil Prices

Korean retail investors placed a 87.2 billion won bet on falling oil prices. This occurred while crude oil exchange-traded funds gained 27.12 percent over the past month.

The divergence reflects a split between spot price momentum and directional trading flow. International benchmarks reached their highest levels since May.

ETF Performance Contrasts With Fund Flows

KODEX WTI Crude Oil Futures (H) led the commodity sector with a 27.12 percent monthly gain. TIGER Crude Oil Futures Enhanced (H) followed with a 25.76 percent rise.

Retail capital moved in the opposite direction during this period. The inverse product attracted 87.2 billion won in net inflows. The directional product saw 11.1 billion won in net outflows.

The inverse instrument recorded a return of negative 20.67 percent over the same window. This loss was accepted by investors betting on a price correction.

Pipeline Damage Disrupts Supply Routes

A drone strike damaged Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline on the 10th. The facility transports up to 7 million barrels per day.

Saudi authorities halted crude transportation through the route. No timeline for resuming operations has been disclosed.

This pipeline bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. It connects Persian Gulf production areas to Red Sea export terminals.

Benchmarks Hit Five-Month Highs

November Brent crude futures closed at 108.75 dollars per barrel. This marked a 2.90 percent increase on the ICE exchange.