Pavel Molchanov joined Raymond James’ Investment Strategy team in 2025, following 21 years (2003-2024) in equity research. His work in investment strategy focuses on the thematic areas of energy, climate, mining, and agriculture. During most of his time in Equity Research, he covered companies in renewable energy and clean technology. He has been recognized in the StarMine Top Analyst survey, the Forbes Blue Chip Analyst survey, and the Wall Street Journal Best on the Street survey. He graduated cum laude from Duke University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics, with high distinction. In the broader community, he is involved with the University of North Carolina, the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, and the American Geophysical Union.
The global oil market has had a volatile year, with macroeconomic uncertainty (China, US, and European interest rates) competing with geopolitics (Russia/Ukraine, Iran/Israel) for investor attention. Meanwhile, natural gas continues to be a seasonally influenced commodity, with summertime heatwaves very much in the headlines. As it relates to the energy transition, we will discuss China’s role in the electric vehicle market, how the electric power industry is adapting to demand from the AI/data center boom, and how the US elections may affect the outlook for renewables.