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Brent crude: price today and performance
The price of a barrel of Brent, Europe's benchmark oil: today's price, performance and what moves it.
Performance of Brent crude
Returns of Brent crude
| Brent crude (dollars per barrel) | MSCI World (in euros) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +55.3% | +17.4% |
| 3 years (a year) | +2.0% | +20.7% |
| 5 years (a year) | +3.7% | +11.6% |
| 10 years (a year) | +7.7% | +12.9% |
Monthly closes. Past returns do not guarantee future results. Data up to October 2026.
What it is
Brent is North Sea crude that serves as the benchmark for most of the oil sold worldwide, including what Europe buys. It is priced in dollars per barrel (159 litres) on the ICE futures market in London.
What moves it
Supply from OPEC+ and the United States, demand from China and the world economy, inventories, wars and sanctions in producing regions, and the dollar. When it rises it makes energy dearer and pushes up inflation.
How to invest
Through ETCs that track oil futures (rolling from one future to the next can cost return against the price shown here) or through shares and ETFs of oil companies.
Compare what each broker charges to buy ETFs and ETCs →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Brent and WTI?
Brent is the benchmark for Europe and world trade; WTI for the United States. There is usually a gap of a few dollars.
Why doesn't petrol fall as much as oil?
Because crude is only part of the price: taxes, refining, distribution and the exchange rate also count.
What is a barrel?
The unit for oil: 159 litres.
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General information with market data, not investment advice. Past returns do not guarantee future results.