- Oil is flashing red, possibly due to waning US-China trade optimism.
- Risk has come under pressure in Asia with Nikkei falling 1%.
Oil prices on both sides of the Atlantic are flashing red amid warning US-China trade optimism and the resulting risk-off tone in the global markets.
At press time, a barrel of Brent is changing hands at $62.20, representing a 0.35% drop on the day. WTI is also trading in the red at $56.90 per barrel.
The losses could be associated with reports stating that the phase one" U.S.-China trade deal could slip into next year.
Some observers are worried that trade talks may fall apart due to the renewed political tensions between the US and China. The world's second-largest economy on Wednesday condemned a US Senate bill aimed at protecting human rights in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is inclined to raise tariffs on Chinese imports if a trade deal is not reached.
As a result, the risk has come under pressure in Asia. The futures on the S&P 500 are currently reporting a 0.10% drop. The index fell by 0.38% on Wednesday. Stocks in Asia are also losing ground with Japan's Nikkei shedding 1.15% and the Shanghai Composite reporting a 0.20% drop.
China's Vice Premier Liu He was out on the wires a few minutes before press time stating that he is cautiously optimistic about reaching a trade deal. USD/JPY has bounced up more than 20 pips on Liu He's comments, however, equities continue to operate on slippery grounds.
Oil, therefore, is struggling to extend Wednesday's 3% gain. The black gold picked up a strong bid during the US trading hours on Wednesday after official data showed crude inventories in the United States increased by 1.4 million barrels for the week ending Nov. 15, less than the 1.6 million barrels analysts surveyed by S&P Global Platts.
Brent technical levels
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD fluctuates in daily range above 1.0600
EUR/USD struggles to gather directional momentum and continues to fluctuate above 1.0600 on Tuesday. The modest improvement seen in risk mood limits the US Dollar's gains as investors await Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's speech.
GBP/USD stabilizes near 1.2450 ahead of Powell speech
GBP/USD holds steady at around 1.2450 after recovering from the multi-month low it touched near 1.2400 in the European morning. The USD struggles to gather strength after disappointing housing data. Market focus shifts to Fed Chairman Powell's appearance.
Gold aiming to re-conquer the $2,400 level
Gold stages a correction on Tuesday and fluctuates in negative territory near $2,370 following Monday's upsurge. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield continues to push higher above 4.6% and makes it difficult for XAU/USD to gain traction.
XRP struggles below $0.50 resistance as SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit likely to enter final pretrial conference
XRP is struggling with resistance at $0.50 as Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are gearing up for the final pretrial conference on Tuesday at a New York court.
US outperformance continues
The economic divergence between the US and the rest of the world has become increasingly pronounced. The latest US inflation prints highlight that underlying inflation pressures seemingly remain stickier than in most other parts of the world.