|

Crude Oil Futures: Extra losses not ruled out

CME Group’s preliminary readings for crude oil futures markets noted traders added around 14.2K contracts to their open interest positions at the beginning of the week, extending at the same time the ongoing uptrend. On the other hand, volume went down for the second session in a row, this time by more than 85K contracts.

WTI looks to return to $80.00

Crude oil started the week on the back footing and came under pressure following recent highs past the $80.00 mark per barrel. Monday’s downtick was on the back of rising open interest, which is indicative that further decline could be in the pipeline. That said, the next contention in WTI is expected to emerge at the YTD low at $74.30 (January 3).

Author

Pablo Piovano

Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.

More from Pablo Piovano
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD extends the drop to 1.3360

GBP/USD builds on Monday’s decline and briefly clinches five-day lows near 1.3360 on Tuesday. Cable’s extra pullback follows the better tone in the Greenback as uncertainty in the Middle East prompts investors to adopt a cautious stance. Meanwhile, an apathetic UK labour market report also collaborates with the selling pressure on the British Pound.

EUR/USD holds gains above 1.1400 on hawkish ECB expectations despite US-Iran tensions

The EUR/USD pair trades with mild gains around 1.1405 during the early Asian session on Wednesday. A hawkish tone from the European Central Bank provides some support to the Euro against the US Dollar. Traders await the upcoming ECB interest rate decision on Thursday. 

Gold hits two-week highs above $4,100 despite widening Mideast conflict

Gold hits two-week highs above $4,100 in the Asian session on Wednesday. The bright metal seems to ride the optimistic wave that diplomatic efforts are underway. However, concerns about energy-driven inflation risks continue to fuel Fed rate-hike bets. They could act as a tailwind for the US Dollar amid widening US-Iran tensions, which, in turn, could cap the bullion.

The market runs back into AI despite higher Oil and yields
World stocks surged as traders made a spirited return to the market’s commanding centre of gravity, piling back into semiconductors, AI leaders and momentum, with the enthusiasm of a crowd rushing through the one door it still trusts. The Nasdaq led Wall Street higher, semiconductor shares jumped more than 5%, and momentum staged its strongest rebound in years.
The Iranian war has again risen
The Iranian war has again risen to the top of the economics factor list. There is no end in sight. Intelligence experts say the current level of offense/retaliation will not change minds in Tehran, while in Washington, Trump fears all-out war, which would mean boots on the ground.
US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?
The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.