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New York, USA – Oil prices continued their downward trend on Monday, June 24, as a robust U.S. dollar and concerns over global economic growth weighed heavily on commodities markets. The sustained strength of the dollar, which reached multi-month highs, has made oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, dampening demand.
Brent crude futures fell by 1.5% to $72.45 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 1.7% to $67.80 per barrel. This marks the third consecutive session of losses for the oil market, which is grappling with multiple headwinds.
Analysts attribute the slide in oil prices to the dollar’s rally, which has been bolstered by expectations of continued interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The Fed’s hawkish stance aims to combat persistent inflation, but higher rates also tend to strengthen the dollar and reduce the appeal of commodities priced in the currency.
“The dollar’s strength is a key factor putting pressure on oil prices,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. “As long as the dollar remains elevated, it’s likely to keep a lid on commodity prices, including oil.”
Economic data from major economies has also fueled concerns about a potential slowdown in global growth. Recent indicators from China, the world’s largest oil importer, have shown weaker-than-expected industrial activity and a sluggish recovery from COVID-19 lockdowns. This has raised doubts about the strength of future oil demand.
In Europe, the economic outlook remains uncertain, with mixed signals about industrial production and consumer confidence. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on energy supplies continue to pose risks to the region’s economic stability.
Oil investors are also closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. Over the weekend, tensions flared up in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, after reports of confrontations between Iranian naval forces and commercial vessels. While the situation has not yet escalated into a major disruption, it adds to the geopolitical risks that traders must consider.
In the U.S., crude inventories have risen, adding further pressure on prices. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed an increase in crude stockpiles, indicating a potential oversupply in the market.
“The build in U.S. crude inventories is another bearish factor for the market,” noted Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston. “With demand concerns already weighing on prices, additional supply is the last thing the market needs.”
Despite the current bearish sentiment, some market participants remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for oil. They point to the potential for production cuts by major oil producers, such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, to stabilize the market.
“OPEC+ has shown a willingness to adjust output to support prices, and we could see coordinated action if prices continue to fall,” said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS. “In the medium to long term, we still see strong fundamentals for oil demand.”
For now, the oil market faces a challenging environment with a confluence of factors driving prices lower. Investors will be closely watching economic data, central bank policies, and geopolitical developments for any signs of a shift in market dynamics.
Source: reuters.com
Brent crude futures fell by 1.5% to $72.45 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 1.7% to $67.80 per barrel. This marks the third consecutive session of losses for the oil market, which is grappling with multiple headwinds.
Analysts attribute the slide in oil prices to the dollar’s rally, which has been bolstered by expectations of continued interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The Fed’s hawkish stance aims to combat persistent inflation, but higher rates also tend to strengthen the dollar and reduce the appeal of commodities priced in the currency.
“The dollar’s strength is a key factor putting pressure on oil prices,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. “As long as the dollar remains elevated, it’s likely to keep a lid on commodity prices, including oil.”
Economic data from major economies has also fueled concerns about a potential slowdown in global growth. Recent indicators from China, the world’s largest oil importer, have shown weaker-than-expected industrial activity and a sluggish recovery from COVID-19 lockdowns. This has raised doubts about the strength of future oil demand.
In Europe, the economic outlook remains uncertain, with mixed signals about industrial production and consumer confidence. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on energy supplies continue to pose risks to the region’s economic stability.
Oil investors are also closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. Over the weekend, tensions flared up in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, after reports of confrontations between Iranian naval forces and commercial vessels. While the situation has not yet escalated into a major disruption, it adds to the geopolitical risks that traders must consider.
In the U.S., crude inventories have risen, adding further pressure on prices. The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed an increase in crude stockpiles, indicating a potential oversupply in the market.
“The build in U.S. crude inventories is another bearish factor for the market,” noted Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston. “With demand concerns already weighing on prices, additional supply is the last thing the market needs.”
Despite the current bearish sentiment, some market participants remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for oil. They point to the potential for production cuts by major oil producers, such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, to stabilize the market.
“OPEC+ has shown a willingness to adjust output to support prices, and we could see coordinated action if prices continue to fall,” said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS. “In the medium to long term, we still see strong fundamentals for oil demand.”
For now, the oil market faces a challenging environment with a confluence of factors driving prices lower. Investors will be closely watching economic data, central bank policies, and geopolitical developments for any signs of a shift in market dynamics.
Source: reuters.com
