Iran’s output, which hit the highest since 2018 last year despite U.S. sanctions, fell by 70,000 bpd, the survey found. It may soon be curbed by tighter sanctions from the administration of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, Goldman Sachs and other analysts have forecast.
Crude oil and gasoline prices today are climbing, with crude oil posting a 2-1/2 month high and gasoline posting a 6-week high. Signs of US economic strength support energy demand and crude prices after weekly jobless claims fell to an 8-month low, and the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI was revised higher. Also, strong US jet fuel demand is bullish for crude after US jet fuel demand in October rose to a 7-year monthly high. Crude prices fell back from their best levels after the dollar index (DXY00) rallied to a 2-year high, and weekly US EIA crude inventories fell less than expected.
The price of crude oil globally ended the Year 2024 in the low $70s per barrel. At this price, the government should seize the opportunity to reduce the prices of fuel and reset the economy. The high price of fuel and food has led to high inflation and high cost of living.
West Texas Intermediate dropped almost 1% to settle near $70 a barrel, while Brent slid to around $73. Equities retreated in most regions, adding to the pressure on crude from weak Chinese refining and retail sales numbers on Monday.
Well, it is year end 2024, time for all respectable pundits to earn their keep by making predictions or by bloviating on the latest topic somebody has latched onto. So, we approached our favorite pundit, Mr. Question Man, to make his contribution to popular seasonal wisdom. Here is the interview.
Oil slipped as economic data from China reinforced concerns about weakening demand in the world’s biggest crude importer.
Crude oil inventories in the United rose by 499,000 barrels for the week ending November 29, according to The American Petroleum Institute (API). Analysts had expected a draw of 1.30 million barrels.
Preliminary estimates see the November CPI reading at 2.7%, which would be a slight increase on October’s 2.6%. Core inflation for November is seen at 3.3% on an annual basis—for the fourth month in a row. These figures might make a new rate cut decision a bit problematic but media reports suggest that market players overwhelmingly expect that decision.
“While past efforts have focused on sectors like electric vehicles and infrastructure, there are expectations that China may shift toward policies to boost consumer spending,” said Li Xing Gan, financial markets strategist consultant to Exness.
Expectations for a weaker dollar in 2025-2026 are being gradually reconsidered as Donald Trump’s re-election and the prospect of stronger-than-expected US economic performance improved the outlook of the greenback.