Gundlach: Oil to Go Higher, Dollar to Weaken

DoubleLine Capital CEO and Chief Investment Officer Jeffrey Gundlach says we should watch out for higher oil prices.

“At what level will oil have a negative effect on the consumer? I’d say right about now,” the bond king said Tuesday during a webcast.

He also highlighted his bullish view on commodities and his belief that the dollar will weaken. “The dollar should run out of steam pretty close to where it is right now,” Gundlach explained. “It will weaken after this counter-trend rally is over.

“Oil is going higher, and I expect it to go to $90,” he said.

On Wednesday, though, U.S. crude weakened to about $71.60 a barrel, and Brent crude futures fell to $79.21.

As for commodities, Gundlach said he had been bullish since Dec. 13. This asset class, he said, has been “the best part of markets,” with “bonds down since then stocks moving sideways in the U.S., at least.”

Asked about an upward movement in metals, Gundlach said, “For that to get going, you need the dollar to weaken.”

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) was at roughly $94 on Wednesday.

“The dollar’s rallied and yet oil is at a multi-year high,” Gundlach said. “That shows you oil is really strong, rallying along with the dollar. I do not see the dollar’s strength continuing.”

As it “runs out of steam,” he added, it could go as high as $95 or even $98. That is the maximum I expect, and I do not expect it to get to $98.”