Crude Oil has traded flat this past week, stabilizing near $75 on Friday after facing a volatile period. The stabilization comes as Israel signals it is ready to retaliate against Iran’s attacks, increasing tensions and supporting oil prices. The US Dollar Index remains near its rally peak, hitting the highest level in nearly two months.
The recovery in Crude Oil prices comes after Israel’s indication of potential retaliation against Iran following a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite concerns over attacking Iranian oil installations, the recovery in Oil prices is supported. Additionally, Hurricane Milton in Florida and the reopening of Oil platforms in the US Gulf of Mexico are being monitored for potential market impact.
The US Dollar Index slightly retraced on Friday following a peak after the release of the US Consumer Price Index for September. The index saw some profit-taking going into Friday after hitting resistance. At the time of writing, Crude Oil trades at $74.86 and Brent Crude at $78.77, showing some stability in the market.
All eyes are on Israel’s response to Iran, as Israel’s war cabinet is meeting to decide on retaliation measures after the phone call with the US President. The US Shale price is being calculated at around $66 per barrel to maintain production levels. The Baker Hughes Oil Rig Count data is also expected to be released for monitoring market trends.
Crude Oil is set for a potentially risky weekend as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate. Traders can expect more headlines and news over the weekend, with China also anticipated to announce stimulus measures. Technical analysis suggests key support and resistance levels to watch for potential market movements.
WTI Oil, also known as West Texas Intermediate, is a high-quality Crude Oil benchmark sold on international markets. Factors such as supply and demand, global growth, political instability, and OPEC decisions influence the price of WTI Oil. Weekly inventory reports, OPEC production quotas, and the US Dollar value also play a role in determining Oil prices. OPEC’s decisions can impact WTI Oil prices, with potential supply adjustments affecting market trends.