empty
17.05.2023 11:27 PM
Oil prices are being supported

This image is no longer relevant

Oil prices were rising on Wednesday. As of 17:36 London time, June futures for WTI rose by 2.91%, to $72.92.

The US Department of Energy published data, according to which commercial crude oil inventories in the US increased by 5 million barrels in the last week to 467.6 million barrels, compared to analysts' expectations for a drop of 900,000.

Meanwhile, US gasoline stocks fell more than forecast by 1.4 million barrels - to 218.3 million.

The US Department of Labor will report on the state of the labor market in the country, specifically on the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits submitted last week. The last time the number of applications increased by 22,000 to 264,000, which is already the highest level since October 2021. This time, analysts expect the indicator to decrease by 10,000.

After the release of these data, it will become clear what the current economic situation is in the US. This question has been very acute lately, as the world's largest economy is one of the main factors causing concern in the markets.

Oil suffered from the eurozone macro data. It turned out that Eurostat maintained its estimate of Eurozone GDP growth in the past quarter at 1.3% in annual terms. The index of investor confidence in the German economy fell to -10.7 points (from 4.1 points a month earlier).

Data from China also had a significant impact on the quotes. For instance, the volume of industrial production in China last month increased by only 5.6% in annual terms.

This indicator was worse than analysts' forecasts, who expected a much more significant increase by 10.9%. Retail sales in the country also grew insignificantly by 18.4%, although an increase of 21% was forecasted. As we can see, the Chinese economy is on a recovery trajectory, but its pace is not pleasing.

On the other hand, US plans to buy volumes of oil for the strategic petroleum reserve is seen as positive for the oil sector. We're talking about just 3 million barrels. Nonetheless, purchases for the strategic reserve should create additional demand, and consequently, contribute to price growth.

Generally, bulls have been waiting for this announcement since President Joe Biden approved the first sales of oil from the US strategic oil reserve in November of the year before last. Over eight months, almost 250 million barrels were sold from the reserve - a record amount for the 50 years of the reserve's existence. Now the Biden administration is planning to replenish the stocks.

In addition, the holiday season and car travel season are approaching, which means that the demand for oil will increase. Thus, support for oil prices is maintained. If there are no negative news from the US financial sector, then the price of oil, say, of the Brent benchmark, could easily jump to $80 per barrel.

Andreeva Natalya,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Trump acts, markets react: Nikkei up 2%, USD rallies

The Nikkei surged more than 2%, S&P 500 futures extended their rally, and the dollar jumped after US President Donald Trump said he has no plans to fire Fed Chairman

12:35 2025-04-23 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 23

The US market is showing renewed signs of instability. Positive signals about a potential de-escalation in the trade conflict with China are fueling hope, but experts warn against excessive optimism

Ekaterina Kiseleva 12:17 2025-04-23 UTC+2

Trump says markets react: Nikkei up 2%, dollar strengthens, China awaits outcome

Nikkei jumps more than 2%, S&P 500 futures continue rally Dollar jumps as Trump says he has no plans to fire Powell Hopes for China tariff easing, but no deal

Thomas Frank 10:52 2025-04-23 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 22

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 continue to slide as mounting concerns over slowing economic growth and the impact of trade tariffs weigh on sentiment. The market remains volatile, with

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:13 2025-04-22 UTC+2

Trump, Fed, and gold at $3,000? Markets respond to alarming signals

Investors are worried about the Fed's independence under Trump. US assets are falling, and the dollar is at a three-year low against the euro. Safe-haven currencies like

11:46 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 21

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped once again after Donald Trump lashed out at the Federal Reserve. His comments called the independence of the central bank into question, amplifying inflation

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:41 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Trump, Fed, $3,000 Gold? Markets React to Red Flags

Investors Worried About Trump Fed Independence US Assets Fall, Dollar Hits Three-Year Low Against Euro Safe-Haven Yen, Swiss Franc Rise Gold Hits New Record High South Korea Stock Market

Thomas Frank 10:18 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 18

Donald Trump ratcheted up his criticism against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, once again calling for an immediate interest rate cut. This renewed political pressure adds to the tensions surrounding

Ekaterina Kiseleva 12:09 2025-04-18 UTC+2

When Giants Fall: How Alphabet and UnitedHealth Decisions Hurt the Market

Trading on U.S. stock markets ended in disarray on Thursday, with positive news from tech giants and pharma companies colliding with interest rate concerns. Market participants wavered between hopes

Thomas Frank 11:56 2025-04-18 UTC+2

Powell in danger? Can Trump fire Fed Chair and what does that mean for markets?

Donald Trump has once again set his sights on the Federal Reserve, accusing its chairman Jerome Powell of failing in monetary policy and threatening to fire him. But what lies

Аlena Ivannitskaya 08:43 2025-04-18 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.