WTI Crude Oil Prices Dip as Spike in Cases Worry Markets

WTI crude oil is starting the fresh week on a bearish footing, with prices declining on the back of a continued increase in fresh infections

WTI Crude Oil Prices Dip as Spike in Cases Worry Markets

WTI crude oil is starting the fresh week on a bearish footing, with prices declining on the back of a continued increase in fresh coronavirus infections worldwide, forcing governments to impose more lockdowns and restrictions. At the time of writing, WTI crude oil is trading at around $46 per barrel.

After strengthening for the fifth straight week, WTI crude oil prices weakened after Los Angeles registered a record surge in new cases even as South Korea raised its alert level due to the resurgence in cases. Bavaria, Germany has announced stricter lockdown measures while Seoul, South Korea is expected to see more social distancing measures being enforced.

With more lockdowns and restrictions expected due to the fresh wave of the pandemic, oil markets are focusing on the possibility of further weakness in oil demand, which is driving bearishness in the commodity. In addition, an increase in lockdowns could also impede economic recovery – a key driver of oil demand, and continue to keep demand from improving.

In addition, crude oil is also facing downward pressure over recent news reports about how Iran is planning to resume production and sale of oil at full capacity over the next three months despite the sanctions. Iran is hopeful that its plans to agree to the 2015 nuclear deal could convince the US to ease sanctions and allow it to export oil again, which could further increase oil supply even as demand fails to recover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Index & Commodity Analyst
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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