- WTI crude oil prices declined following the start of a truce in the Gaza Strip.
- OPEC+ postpones crucial meetings, sparking speculations of potential oil production cuts for 2024.
- Global factors like higher US crude stockpiles, China's uncertain oil demand, and non-OPEC production growth contribute to Oil price trends.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US Crude Oil benchmark, fell on Friday as the release of some hostages in Gaza reduced geopolitical tensions. The daily chart showed prices at $75.13 per barrel, even though global business activity witnessed an uptick.
WTI falls to $75.13 per barrel as Gaza truce reduces Middle East risks, while OPEC+ meeting delay and production discussions influence market
A planned truce in the Gaza Strip began, aimed to allow the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas. Hence, reduced geopolitical tensions weighed in on oil prices, which usually tend to rise amid risks in the Middle East. However, Oil bears are not out of the woods yet, as the upcoming OPEC+ meeting is awaited, with crude Oil production cuts for 2024 looming.
The OPEC+ delayed its meeting from November 26 to November 30 as countries discussed Oil output levels. The delay led to a significant drop of 5% on Wednesday before WTI trimmed some of its losses to just 1.30%.
There are indications that OPEC+ is making progress toward a compromise with African oil-producing countries regarding production levels for 2024. This development suggests ongoing negotiations and discussions within the group to establish production quotas for the coming year.
While WTI could witness an uptick if OPEC+ cuts its production, higher US Crude stockpiles, and lower refining margins can put a lid on Oil prices.
Additionally, China's longer-term oil demand outlook remains uncertain. Analysts suggest that oil demand growth in China could weaken to around 4% in the first half of 2024, mainly due to challenges in the property sector that may impact diesel consumption.
Furthermore, non-OPEC production is expected to remain robust, with Brazil's state energy company, Petrobras, planning significant investments to boost output. This could contribute to global oil supply, potentially limiting upward price movements.
WTI Technical Levels
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 retreats from daily highs, holds above 1.0800
EUR/USD loses traction but holds above 1.0800 after touching its highest level in three weeks above 1.0840. Nonfarm Payrolls in the US rose more than expected in June but downward revisions to May and April don't allow the USD to gather strength.
GBP/USD struggles to hold above 1.2800 after US jobs data
GBP/USD spiked above 1.2800 with the immediate reaction to the mixed US jobs report but retreated below this level. Nonfarm Payrolls in the US rose 206,000 in June. The Unemployment Rate ticked up to 4.1% and annual wage inflation declined to 3.9%.
Gold approaches $2,380 on robust NFP data
Gold intensifies the bullish stance for the day, rising to the vicinity of the $2,380 region following the publication of the US labour market report for the month of June. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays deep in the red near 4.3%, helping XAU/USD push higher.
Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple lose key support levels, extend declines on Friday
Crypto market lost nearly 6% in market capitalization, down to $2.121 trillion. Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) erased recent gains from 2024.
French Elections Preview: Euro to “sell the fact” on a hung parliament scenario Premium
Investors expect Frances's second round of parliamentary elections to end with a hung parliament. Keeping extremists out of power is priced in and could result in profit-taking on Euro gains.