What are the macro-economic, geopolitical, and technical factors driving oil prices this week?
Macroeconomics
On the macroeconomic view, the greenback has kept falling lower against a basket of major currencies – the DXY thus remains further below its yearly regression channel now, while eyeing the next quarterly S2 pivot just located at the $100 mark.
The President of the Federal Reserve (Fed), Jerome Powell, signaled on Wednesday (Nov. 30th) a possible inflection of the monetary policy of the Fed as soon as this month.
US Dollar Currency Index (DXY), daily chart
Geopolitical and fundamental analysis
Oil prices ended on a mixed note Thursday (Dec 1st), in the grip of the suspense surrounding the decision, expected this upcoming Sunday, of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies (OPEC+) on its production quotas. The cartel meeting will take place on Sunday in a delicate context, marked by the fall in oil prices and the entry into force of new sanctions against Russia. Its members will thus hold a virtual meeting by videoconference, one day before the start of the EU's embargo on imports of Russian crude, which must be accompanied by a price cap. They should vote for a renewal of the previous decision relating to a reduction of 2 million barrels per day, according to an Iranian source, the market being very uncertain with the imminent arrival of a new series of sanctions against Russia.
All members of the European Union, except for Poland (which had pushed for the lowest possible cap), tentatively agreed on Thursday to cap the price of Russian oil transported by sea at $60 a barrel, according to an EU diplomat. This agreement would be accompanied by a readjustment mechanism to maintain the price cap 5% below market price. Following the implementation of such a price cap model, European carriers and insurers will be able to process orders for Russian crude placed by non-EU countries, provided that the latter undertake to pay a price lower than or equal to this cap. However, all this fuss probably won't have much effect on the market since the Russians will simply find other customers to sell their crude oil to.
US Crude Oil inventories
Commercial crude oil reserves fell sharply last week in the United States, according to figures released Wednesday by the United States Energy Information Agency (EIA), a decline attributed in part to the acceleration of the refinery activity, from below 94% capacity the previous week to 95.2%.
Another element that could explain the significant contraction in commercial stocks is the slowdown in imports (-14%) combined with the acceleration in exports (+16%) of crude oil.
In addition to commercial stocks, strategic reserves also fell last week, by 1.4 million barrels.
Furthermore, last week was both Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday sales. It's supposed to be a good week for fuel consumption, but it came out down 5% year-on-year.
(Source: Investing.com)
Technical charts
WTI Crude Oil (CLF23) Futures (January contract, daily chart)
WTI Crude Oil (CLF23) Futures (January contract, 4H chart)
RBOB Gasoline (RBF23) Futures (January contract, daily chart)
Brent Crude Oil (BRNG23) Futures (February contract, daily chart) – Contract for Difference (CFD) UKOIL
Want free follow-ups to the above article and details not available to 99%+ investors? Sign up to our free newsletter today!
All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and Sunshine Profits' employees and associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be a subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and his associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Mr. Radomski is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Przemyslaw Radomski's, CFA reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays in positive territory above 1.0850 after US data
![EUR/USD stays in positive territory above 1.0850 after US data](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Currencies/Majors/EURUSD/money-euro-and-dollar-banknotes-17371247_XtraSmall.jpg)
EUR/USD clings to modest daily gains above 1.0850 in the second half of the day on Friday. The improving risk mood makes it difficult for the US Dollar to hold its ground after PCE inflation data, helping the pair edge higher ahead of the weekend.
GBP/USD stabilizes above 1.2850 as risk mood improves
![GBP/USD stabilizes above 1.2850 as risk mood improves](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Currencies/Majors/GBPUSD/strong-pound-weak-dollar-17536259_XtraSmall.jpg)
GBP/USD maintains recovery momentum and fluctuates above 1.2850 in the American session on Friday. The positive shift seen in risk mood doesn't allow the US Dollar to preserve its strength and supports the pair.
Gold rebounds above $2,380 as US yields stretch lower
![Gold rebounds above $2,380 as US yields stretch lower](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Markets/Commodities/Metals/Gold/gold-gm187363896-28836378_XtraSmall.jpg)
Following a quiet European session, Gold gathers bullish momentum and trades decisively higher on the day above $2,380. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield loses more than 1% on the day after US PCE inflation data, fuelling XAU/USD's upside.
Avalanche price sets for a rally following retest of key support level
![Avalanche price sets for a rally following retest of key support level](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Avalanche/Avalanche_XtraSmall.jpg)
Avalanche (AVAX) price bounced off the $26.34 support level to trade at $27.95 as of Friday. Growing on-chain development activity indicates a potential bullish move in the coming days.
The election, Trump's Dollar policy, and the future of the Yen
![The election, Trump's Dollar policy, and the future of the Yen](https://editorial.fxstreet.com/images/Macroeconomics/Events/US%20Elections/Donald_Trump_closeup_XtraSmall.jpg)
After an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and drop out of President Biden, Kamala Harris has been endorsed as the Democratic candidate to compete against Trump in the upcoming November US presidential election.