Oil Prices at $80 Amid Strong Dollar and Geopolitical Tensions: Weekly Gain Secured

Oil prices dipped on Friday due to a stronger U.S. dollar, which climbed following positive economic data in June. The data showed stronger


Oil prices dipped on Friday due to a stronger U.S. dollar, which climbed following positive economic data in June. The data showed stronger-than-expected performance in the services and manufacturing sectors, reducing expectations for imminent rate cuts.

As oil is priced in dollars, a stronger dollar makes it more expensive for foreign buyers, thereby impacting demand.

Signs of Increasing U.S. Demand

Despite the dip, oil prices achieved a second consecutive weekly gain, buoyed by signs of improving demand in the U.S., the world’s largest oil consumer.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a significant drawdown in U.S. crude stockpiles, with a decrease of 2.5 million barrels for the week ending June 14, surpassing the anticipated 2.2 million barrel reduction.

Additionally, total product supplied, a key indicator of demand, rose by 1.9 million barrels per day to 21.1 million bpd.

The 4-week average implied gasoline demand continues to trend higher as we move deeper into the U.S. summer driving season, easing some concerns over gasoline demand,” noted analysts at ING.

Geopolitical Tensions and Market Impact

Geopolitical tensions also played a role in supporting oil prices. Ukraine’s military reported drone strikes on Russian oil facilities, while ongoing conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah heightened fears of broader regional disruptions.

These factors contribute to market volatility and potential supply chain disruptions. The U.S. oil rig count dropped by three to 485, as reported by Baker Hughes.

This decline in drilling activity comes despite the EIA raising its 2024 crude oil production forecast to 13.24 million barrels per day, up from a previous estimate of 13.20 million barrels per day.

In summary, while a stronger dollar pressured oil prices, signs of increased U.S. demand and geopolitical tensions helped secure a second straight weekly gain. These dynamics highlight the complex interplay of economic and geopolitical factors influencing the oil market.

WTI Crude Oil Price Forecast: Technical Outlook

WTI Crude Oil is trading at $80.72, up 0.19%. The pivot point is marked at $80.40, indicated by the green line. Immediate resistance levels are at $81.48, $82.13, and $82.58, suggesting potential upward momentum.

On the downside, immediate support is found at $79.68, with further support at $79.14 and $78.44. The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is positioned at $80.41, just above the pivot point, reinforcing the upward trendline that supports a buying trend.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 49, indicating a neutral market sentiment. Maintaining above $80.40 is crucial for a bullish outlook, while a break below this level could trigger a sharp selling trend

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Lead Markets Analyst – Multi-Asset (FX, Commodities, Crypto)
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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