- WTI trades in negative territory near $80.85 amid the firmer USD.
- The prospect of ongoing geopolitical tensions could lift the WTI prices.
- OPEC+ set to affirm its production cuts policy amid tensions in the Middle East and Russia.
Western Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $80.85 on Wednesday. WTI prices edge lower amid the modest rebound of US Dollar (USD) and mixed reaction to the loss of Russian refinery capacity after recent Ukrainian n attacks.
Refinery disruptions in Russia caused by Ukrainian drone attacks raised concern over global oil supply. Analysts forecast that these disruptions affected around 12% of Russia's total oil processing capacity. The geopolitical factors are likely to play a key role in WTI prices and the escalating tension in both the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine might lift the black gold.
Furthermore, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) are set to affirm its production cuts policy amid tensions in the Middle East and Russia. It’s worth noting that when OPEC+ lowers supply when demand falls, WTI prices tend to rise.
Additionally, the uptick of WTI prices is supported by the softer USD which typically makes oil cheaper for buyers holding other currencies. The expectation of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) this year provides some support to WTI prices. The Fed Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated last week that policymakers plan to cut rates before the end of this year, given economic growth continues.
Market players will closely watch the US February Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) data, due on Friday. If the report shows stronger-than-expected readings, this could delay the expectation of rate cuts from the Fed this year and cap the upside of the WTI prices. Federal Funds Futures have priced in a 74.5% chance that the Fed will cut rates in the June meeting, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool.
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 stays in positive territory above 1.0850 after US data
EUR/USD clings to modest daily gains above 1.0850 in the second half of the day on Friday. The improving risk mood makes it difficult for the US Dollar to hold its ground after PCE inflation data, helping the pair edge higher ahead of the weekend.
GBP/USD stabilizes above 1.2850 as risk mood improves
GBP/USD maintains recovery momentum and fluctuates above 1.2850 in the American session on Friday. The positive shift seen in risk mood doesn't allow the US Dollar to preserve its strength and supports the pair.
Gold rebounds above $2,380 as US yields stretch lower
Following a quiet European session, Gold gathers bullish momentum and trades decisively higher on the day above $2,380. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield loses more than 1% on the day after US PCE inflation data, fuelling XAU/USD's upside.
Avalanche price sets for a rally following retest of key support level
Avalanche (AVAX) price bounced off the $26.34 support level to trade at $27.95 as of Friday. Growing on-chain development activity indicates a potential bullish move in the coming days.
The election, Trump's Dollar policy, and the future of the Yen
After an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and drop out of President Biden, Kamala Harris has been endorsed as the Democratic candidate to compete against Trump in the upcoming November US presidential election.