|

WTI weaker, extends the drop below 39.00

  • Prices of the WTI return to the sub-$39.00 area on Thursday.
  • Demand fears stemming from the pandemic keep weighing on prices.
  • US oil rig count comes up next on Friday.

Prices of the WTI extends the erratic performance so far this week and now recede to the sub-$39.00 region per barrel.

WTI hurts by weak demand prospects

Crude oil prices fade Wednesday’s uptick and are back to the area below the key $40.00 mark per barrel on Thursday, as traders continue to gauge the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the demand for the commodity.

Prices of the West Texas Intermediate edge lower in the second half of the week despite the EIA reported a larger-than-expected drop in US crude oil supplies. In fact, the agency said inventories went down by almost 2 million barrels on the week ended on September 25, prolonging the downtrend for the third straight session so far.

On Friday, Baker Hughes will close the weekly calendar after it publishes its report on the US drilling activity.

WTI significant levels

At the moment the barrel of WTI is losing 2.45% at $38.95 and a break below $38.44 (weekly low Sep.29) would aim for $36.15 (monthly low Sep.8) and then $31.16 (low May 28). On the upside, the next hurdle is located at  $41.46 (weekly high Sep.18) seconded by $43.75 (monthly high Aug.26) and finally $48.64 (monthly high Mar.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:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD trims losses and returns to the 1.1750 area

The US Dollar resumed its decline in the American afternoon, helping EUR/USD trim early losses. The pair trades around 1.1750 as market participants gear up for the European Central Bank monetary policy decision and the United States Consumer Price Index.

GBP/USD flirts with 1.3400 after nearing 1.3300

The GBP/USD changed course after dipping with UK inflation data, and trades near the 1.3400 mark, as investors expect the Bank of England to deliver a 25 basis points interest rate cut after the two-day meeting on Thursday.

Gold maintains its positive momentum, trades around $4,330

The XAU/USD pair gained on a deteriorated market mood, trading near its weekly highs near $4,340. The bright metal advances with caution as market players await first-tier events in Europe and hte United States.

Bitcoin risks deeper correction as ETF outflows mount, derivative traders stay on the sidelines

Bitcoin (BTC) remains under pressure, trading below $87,000 on Wednesday, nearing a key support level. A decisive daily close below this zone could open the door to a deeper correction.

Monetary policy: Three central banks, three decisions, the same caution

While the Fed eased its monetary policy on 10 December for the third consecutive FOMC meeting, without making any guarantees about future action, the BoE, the ECB and the BoJ are holding their respective meetings this week. 

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP slide further as risk-off sentiment deepens

Bitcoin faces extended pressure as institutional investors reduce their risk exposure. Ethereum’s upside capped at $3,000, weighed down by ETF outflows and bearish signals. XRP slides toward November’s support at $1.82 despite mild ETF inflows.