Crude Oil is trading at a crucial level of around $70 on Monday following intense bombings in Lebanon over the weekend. The heightened geopolitical tensions are expected to impact Oil prices. Additionally, European PMI data for September shows a significant decline in both Manufacturing and Services activity, indicating lower Oil demand in the region.
The US Dollar Index strengthens on Monday as European investors turn to safe-haven assets like the Greenback. With most PMI indicators in Europe in contraction, investors are fleeing from the Euro, potentially leading to a further downturn in the currency. Crude Oil is currently trading at $71.01 for WTI and $73.91 for Brent Crude.
The recent escalation of violence between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon has led to concerns about further attacks. The amount of Oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least seven days has decreased, indicating potential risks for lower growth against a risk premium.
Crude Oil is facing resistance from negative European economic data, which could offset the risk premium from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In case of softer-than-expected US data, there could be a decline in global demand, leading to further price fluctuations. The technical analysis suggests key levels to watch, with $71.46 as the next resistance and $67.11 as the initial support.
WTI Oil, also known as West Texas Intermediate, is a high-quality Crude Oil easily refined and sourced in the United States. It serves as a benchmark for the Oil market and its price is quoted frequently in the media. Supply and demand, global growth, political instability, OPEC decisions, and the value of the US Dollar are key factors influencing WTI Oil prices.
The weekly Oil inventory reports from the API and EIA impact the price of WTI Oil by reflecting fluctuating supply and demand. Changes in inventories can indicate shifts in demand, affecting Oil prices. OPEC’s decisions on production quotas also play a crucial role in determining Oil prices, as lower quotas can tighten supply and increase prices. OPEC+ is an expanded group that includes non-OPEC members like Russia, influencing WTI Oil prices as well.