- Oil prices accelerate their reversal as US stocks increase beyond expectations
- The outlook of higher rates for a longer time is increasing concerns about a lower demand for oil
- These fears have offset the impact of geopolitical risks.
Oil prices are going through a sharp reversal on Wednesday, to pare some of the gains taken over the last tree months. WTI crude futures broke lower on Wednesday after a period of hesitation hammered by the higher-for-longer Fed outlook coupled with larger-than-expected US oil stocks.
The weekly EIA report revealed that US Oil stocks increased by 2.735 million barrels. in the week of April 12, against expectations of 1.65 million, and from the 5,841 million barrels reported in the previous week.
This increase in crude stocks comes after Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, warned that the bank might still have work to do to bring inflation to the 2% target. These comments suggest that interest rates will remain at restrictive levels for a longer time, which is expected to depress economic growth and weigh on demand for Oil.
This has offset the positive impact on Crude from the increasing geopolitical risks and from news reporting a US threat to reimpose the ban on Venezuelan Oil if President Maduro fails to meet his commitment to fair elections this year.
The broader trend remains bullish although today’s bearish reaction is suggesting a deeper correction. A confirmation below previous highs at $82.85 puts the $80.50 area on the bears’ focus. On the upside, bulls should regain the $84.90 level to shift the focus back toward the YTD high, at $87.60.
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 holds gains above 1.0700 as USD struggles ahead of data
EUR/USD is posting small gains above 1.0700 in the European session on Thursday. The pair remains underpinned by a sustained US Dollar weakness, in the aftermath of the Fed policy announcements and ahead of more US employment data.
GBP/USD stays firm above 1.2500 amid US Dollar weakness
GBP/USD is consolidating the rebound above 1.2500 in European trading on Thursday. The pair's uptick is supported by a broadly weakness US Dollar on dovish Fed signals. A mixed market mood could cap the GBP/USD upside ahead of mid-tier US data.
Gold price trades with modest losses amid positive risk tone, downside seems limited
Gold price edges lower amid an uptick in the US bond yields, though the downside seems cushioned. A positive risk tone is seen as another factor undermining demand for the safe-haven precious metal.
Top 3 Price Prediction BTC, ETH, XRP: Altcoins to pump once BTC bottoms out, slow grind up for now
Bitcoin reclaiming above $59,200 would hint that BTC has already bottomed out, setting the tone for a run north. Ethereum holding above $2,900 keeps a bullish reversal pattern viable despite falling momentum. Ripple coils up for a move north as XRP bulls defend $0.5000.
Happy Apple day
Apple is due to report Q1 results today after the bell. Expectations are soft given that Apple’s Chinese business got a major hit in Q1 as competitors increased their market share against the giant Apple.