WTI Crude Holds $62.25 as OPEC+ Cuts and Rising U.S. Output Split Market

WTI crude oil futures traded near $62.25 on Wednesday as the latest OPEC+ production decision and mixed supply signals kept traders...

Quick overview

  • WTI crude oil futures are trading around $62.25 as OPEC+ decisions and mixed supply signals create caution among traders.
  • US oil production is projected to reach a record high in 2025, contributing to rising inventories and oversupply concerns.
  • Technical analysis indicates a strong resistance zone between $62.70 and $63.30, with potential bearish and bullish scenarios for traders.
  • Traders are advised to wait for confirmation before making moves, as the market remains in a descending trend despite short-term bounces.

WTI crude oil futures traded near $62.25 on Wednesday as the latest OPEC+ production decision and mixed supply signals kept traders cautious. The group’s small output increase – the smallest of the options – helped stabilize prices that were under pressure from oversupply worries. OPEC is protecting the market balance while avoiding a price collapse as demand growth slows in Asia and Europe.

But the bullish tone was challenged by the EIA’s new forecast that US production will hit a record in 2025, beating expectations. US inventories rose 2.78 million barrels last week, more than the 2.25 million-barrel build expected, as domestic supply remains resilient despite weaker refinery runs.

Russian exports are near a 16-month high but Ukrainian drone strikes have disrupted refining operations and Moscow is rerouting some shipments. The global supply picture is complex – balanced between output discipline and geopolitical tension – and traders are looking for clarity in upcoming EIA and API data.

WTI Crude Oil Technical Outlook: $63.20 Key Resistance

On the 4-hour chart, WTI crude is stuck in a descending trendline from the recent high at $66.44 and despite short-term bounces, the bigger trend is still down. Prices have bounced to the 38.2% Fibonacci at $62.70 which overlaps with the 50-SMA ($62.48) and 100-SMA ($63.24) – a strong resistance zone.

Candlestick analysis shows spinning tops and indecisive wicks, a sign that buyers are losing steam at this level. The RSI at 56 is a mild bullish bounce but not enough to confirm a breakout. Unless WTI closes above $63.20-$63.30, the probability of selling is high and prices could drop to $60.40, a strong psychological and Fibonacci support.

WTI Crude Oil Trade Setup: Rejection or Breakout

WTI Crude Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
WTI Crude Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

Traders have two clear scenarios for the next sessions:

  • Bearish setup: Look for rejection at $62.70-$63.00 with a shooting star or bearish engulfing candle. A confirmed reversal could open up targets at $61.00-$60.40.
  • Bullish scenario: A close above $63.30 would kill the bearish setup and open up to $64.10 or $65.00.

For new traders this is a great example of waiting for confirmation rather than chasing the volatility. The technicals are cautious: until oil breaks the trendline resistance the bias is down — the market is respecting gravity while still hinting at the next bounce.

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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