- WTI is a little lower but still trading near $120, weighed slightly amid risk-off conditions and China lockdown worries.
- Weak US data, a surprisingly hawkish Fed and tough restrictions in China could combine to send WTI towards its 21DMA.
Though still a little lower on the day, oil prices pared the bulk of earlier session losses on Monday, despite steep downside in global risk assets as investors fretted about last Friday’s hotter than expected US inflation and its implications for Fed monetary policymaking, as well as increasing signs that the US economy might be headed for recession. Front-month WTI futures were last trading a few cents in the red in the $120 per barrel area, having bounced from earlier session lows near $118.
Traders cited China Covid-19 developments, after Beijing and Shanghai both moved to reimpose restrictions as Covid-19 infections rose once again, as weighing on the price action, as well as the market’s risk-off mode that has seen the US dollar strengthen. A strong buck means USD-denominated commodities are more expensive for international buyers.
But the bounce from mid-session lows suggests that appetite to buy the dip remains strong, for now. Indeed, global oil markets are still very tight as demand in the northern hemisphere rises towards its summer peak and OPEC+ supply woes show no signs of abating, with Russian output still languishing in the face of strict Western sanctions and as smaller (mainly African) producers struggle amid a lack of investment and amid instability.
Meanwhile, the prospect of a return by the US and Iran to compliance with the 2015 nuclear pact which could set the stage for well over 1 million barrels per day in Iranian exports to return to global markets appeared to have been dealt a death blow last week. Amid a spat with global nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is set to remove nearly all equipment that had been used by the organisation to monitor its nuclear activities.
But traders should be aware that amid the risk that 1) the China lockdown worsens, threatening oil demand in the country, 2) further US data this week points to a recession and 3) the Fed on Wednesday delivers a hawkish surprise as inflation continues to surprise to the upside, oil might be in for a rough time. A test of the 21-Day Moving Average in the mid-$115s seems a solid possibility.
Note: All information on this page is subject to change. The use of this website constitutes acceptance of our user agreement. Please read our privacy policy and legal disclaimer. Opinions expressed at FXstreet.com are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinion of FXstreet.com or its management. Risk Disclosure: Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
GBP/USD extends recovery gains to near 1.3250, as BoE looms
GBP/USD extends the recovery to near 1.3200 in European trading on Thursday, having found buyers near 1.3150. A fresh US Dollar pullback and a rebound in risk sentiment offer support to the pair ahead of the BoE policy announcements.
EUR/USD advances to 1.1150, focus shifts to ECB-speak
EUR/USD is well-bid near 1.1150 in the European session on Thursday. The pair is underpinned by the renewed US Dollar retreat and an upbeat mood. Traders digest the Fed's dovish outlook, bracing for ECB-speak for fresh trading incentives. US data are also eyed.
Gold price jumps back closer to all-time peak, $2,600 remains in sight amid fresh USD weakness
Gold price regains positive traction following the previous day's pullback from the all-time peak and builds on its steady intraday ascent heading into the European session on Thursday.
BoE expected to keep interest rate unchanged at 5% as price pressures persist
After a close call in August, the Bank of England’s September interest rate decision is keenly awaited for fresh cues on the bank’s future policy action and the pace of its bond sales.
Bitcoin surges to $62,000 mark after 50 bps Fed rate cut
Bitcoin and Ripple eye for a rally as they break and find support around their resistance barrier. Meanwhile, Ethereum demonstrates signs of recovery as it approaches a critical resistance level, indicating that an upward rally could be on the horizon if it successfully breaks through.
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know
VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.