WTI Crude Hits $75.76 Amid Rising Summer Demand Expectations

On Monday, oil prices saw a modest increase, with Brent crude futures rising by 0.4% to $79.90 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate


On Monday, oil prices saw a modest increase, with Brent crude futures rising by 0.4% to $79.90 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbing 0.3% to $75.79 a barrel.

These gains were supported by expectations of increased fuel demand over the summer, despite the dampening effect of a stronger U.S. dollar.

The recent robust U.S. jobs data have adjusted market expectations, pushing out the likelihood of interest rate cuts and contributing to the dollar’s strength, which in turn makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Eurozone Political Uncertainty and Market Reactions

The euro faced pressures partly due to political uncertainties in the eurozone, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron announced snap legislative elections following a significant defeat in the European Union vote.

This political shift introduces additional market volatility, compounding the effects of economic data from the U.S. that saw yields surge, affecting commodity prices including crude oil.

OPEC+ Decisions and Global Supply Concerns

Last week, oil markets were also reacting to OPEC+’s decision to potentially unwind production cuts starting October, a move that could increase global supply and has already contributed to three consecutive weeks of losses for Brent and WTI.

This decision aligns with data showing a rise in OECD commercial crude and product stockpiles to 48 million barrels in May, which is significantly higher than the five-year average for the month.

However, analysts from energy consultancy FGE and Goldman Sachs anticipate that summer holiday demand will help reduce these stockpiles and support oil prices, with predictions of Brent reaching $86 a barrel in the third quarter.

Looking Ahead: Federal Reserve and Global Market Impacts

As the market shifts focus towards the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan meetings, there is anticipation of potentially hawkish outcomes that could influence global financial and commodity markets.

These meetings are crucial as they may offer new insights into future economic policies that could affect the crude oil market.

Additionally, efforts in the U.S. to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and developments in the Middle East, such as resumed negotiations for oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, are likely to play significant roles in shaping the near-term trajectory of oil prices.

Crude Oil Price Forecast; Technical Outlook

WTI Crude Oil is currently priced at $75.76, marking a modest increase of 0.08% in today’s trading session. The oil market is observing critical technical levels on the 4-hour chart that could dictate short-term price movements.

The technical structure shows the pivot point at $75.63, which is pivotal for today’s trading dynamics. Directly above this level, the immediate resistance is found at $76.56. Should the price break through this barrier, the next targets for resistance are located at $77.54 and $78.90 respectively.

On the downside, if the price falls below the pivot point, it could seek support at $74.49, with further potential declines testing the $72.59 level.

Currently, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 56.68, suggesting that the market is neither overbought nor oversold, indicating neutral to slightly bullish momentum.

Additionally, the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) aligns closely at $75.78, nearly matching today’s price, which suggests a balance in market sentiment after recent price movements.

Given WTI Crude Oil’s stance near the pivot point and the proximity of both support and resistance levels, there is potential for slight volatility in the near term. Traders should keep a close eye on these technical thresholds.

A move above $76.56 could signal an upward trend, while a drop below $75.63 may lead to further downward pressure.

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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