WTI consolidates around $78.00, remains on track to post second straight week of gains


  • WTI edges higher on Friday, though the intraday uptick lacks bullish conviction.
  • Mixed demand-supply cues hold back traders from placing fresh directional bets.
  • Acceptance above the 200-day SMA supports prospects for further near-term gains.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) US Crude Oil prices attract some buying near a technically significant 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) during the Asian session on Friday and for now, seem to have snapped a two-day losing streak. The commodity currently trades just above the $78.00/barrel mark, though remains well below a one-month high touched on Wednesday.

Easing inflation in the US should allow the Federal Reserve (Fed) to start cutting interest rates in June, which is anticipated to boost fuel demand in the world's largest Oil consumer. This, along with a modest US Dollar (USD) downtick, which tends to benefit the USD-denominated commodities, acts as a tailwind for the black liquid. Meanwhile, the expected continuation of the OPEC+ production cuts to the end of the second quarter of 2024 points to softer demand outlook. Apart from this, signs of higher supplies keep a lid on any further gains for Crude Oil prices.

In fact, record-high US production and higher output from OPEC signalled that global oil markets may not be as tight as initially expected. Furthermore, a recession in Japan and the UK, along with the darkening economic outlook for the Eurozone economy, points a weak picture for Crude demand. This might hold back traders from placing aggressive bullish bets around Crude Oil prices and continue to cap the upside. Nevertheless, the commodity remains on track to register strong weekly gains, marking the third week of a positive move in the previous four.

From a technical perspective, the recent breakout and acceptance above the very important 200-day SMA favours bullish traders. That said, the commodity's repeated failures to find acceptance above the $79.00/barrel mark warrant some caution before positioning for any further gains amid mixed oscillators on the daily chart.

WTI US OIL

Overview
Today last price 78.07
Today Daily Change 0.29
Today Daily Change % 0.37
Today daily open 77.78
 
Trends
Daily SMA20 76.6
Daily SMA50 74.84
Daily SMA100 76.33
Daily SMA200 77.7
 
Levels
Previous Daily High 78.83
Previous Daily Low 77.59
Previous Weekly High 78.74
Previous Weekly Low 76.22
Previous Monthly High 79.27
Previous Monthly Low 71.46
Daily Fibonacci 38.2% 78.06
Daily Fibonacci 61.8% 78.36
Daily Pivot Point S1 77.3
Daily Pivot Point S2 76.82
Daily Pivot Point S3 76.06
Daily Pivot Point R1 78.54
Daily Pivot Point R2 79.31
Daily Pivot Point R3 79.79

 

 

Share: Feed news

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


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD holds steady near 0.6250 ahead of RBA Minutes

AUD/USD holds steady near 0.6250 ahead of RBA Minutes

The AUD/USD pair trades on a flat note around 0.6250 during the early Asian session on Monday. Traders brace for the Reserve Bank of Australia Minutes released on Tuesday for some insight into the interest rate outlook.

AUD/USD News
USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY consolidates around 156.50 area; bullish bias remains

USD/JPY holds steady around the mid-156.00s at the start of a new week and for now, seems to have stalled a modest pullback from the 158.00 neighborhood, or over a five-month top touched on Friday. Doubts over when the BoJ could hike rates again and a positive risk tone undermine the safe-haven JPY. 

USD/JPY News
Gold price bulls seem non-committed around $2,620 amid mixed cues

Gold price bulls seem non-committed around $2,620 amid mixed cues

Gold price struggles to capitalize on last week's goodish bounce from a one-month low and oscillates in a range during the Asian session on Monday. Geopolitical risks and trade war fears support the safe-haven XAU/USD. Meanwhile, the Fed's hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the elevated US bond yields and a bullish USD, capping the non-yielding yellow metal.

Gold News
Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed

Week ahead: No festive cheer for the markets after hawkish Fed

US and Japanese data in focus as markets wind down for Christmas. Gold and stocks bruised by Fed, but can the US dollar extend its gains? Risk of volatility amid thin trading and Treasury auctions.

Read more
Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building

Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building

Bank of England rates were maintained at 4.75% today, in line with expectations. However, the 6-3 vote split sent a moderately dovish signal to markets, prompting some dovish repricing and a weaker pound. We remain more dovish than market pricing for 2025.

Read more
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.

Read More

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures