WTI extends losses to near $76.00 due to concern over prolonging of higher interest rates

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices extend their decline for the second consecutive session, hovering near $76.00 per barrel during the Asian trading session on Monday. The downward pressure on Crude oil prices can be attributed to uncertainties surrounding demand, likely influenced by heightened global risk sentiment. This sentiment could prompt central banks to adopt a patient stance regarding the trajectory of interest rates.

The global trend of higher interest rates is dampening economic activities, thereby reducing the consumption of Crude oil and resulting in lower demand. The recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes highlighted concerns about interest rate cuts, signaling a preference for maintaining higher borrowing costs to combat persistent inflationary pressures. This stance has contributed to the moderation in oil prices.

Furthermore, hawkish remarks from officials at the Federal Reserve (Fed) have signaled a continuation of higher Fed rates. John C. Williams, President of the New York Federal Reserve, suggested in an interview that rate cuts might be possible later in the year, but emphasized that they would only be implemented if deemed appropriate. Similarly, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J. Waller has proposed delaying any rate cuts for a few months to assess whether January's high inflation report was an anomaly.

The escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has sparked concerns regarding possible disruptions to the oil supply. However, despite these concerns, significant supply constraints have not yet materialized. In addition, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Sunday that negotiators from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel had reached a preliminary agreement on a hostage deal during discussions in Paris.