empty
25.02.2021 04:21 PM
Oil prices confidently rise despite negative factors

This image is no longer relevant

Early today, oil prices showed positive dynamic amid expectations of higher demand. Market participants are looking forward to a jump in oil demand after the stabilization of weather in the US after the recent abnormal frosts. Investors' sentiment was not spoiled even by the negative flash data on the US oil reserves.

According to the recent data received from the US Energy Department, during the week that ended on February 19, oil inventories advanced by 1.28 million barrels. Preliminary estimates provided by analysts at Bloomberg showed even a bigger jump of 6.5 million barrels. At the same time, experts at S&P Global Platts had expected a drop of 4.8 million barrels. However, neither of the forecasts came true. In general, the situation does not look positive. Nevertheless, market participants still hope for the best.

Total oil refining volumes decreased by 2.6 million barrels per day. The Mexican coast of the US was hit more than other regions. Here, about 90% of the capacity was stopped due to adverse weather conditions and the strongest snow storm. Moreover, this forced reduction in the production of crude oil exceeded a decline in oil production, which just in one week reached the level of 1.1 million barrels per day.

At the same time, market participants almost ignored all these bearish signals. The bullish sentiment remained the same amid optimistic predictions concerning the future slide in the number of new virus cases. The active battle against the coronavirus pandemic has boosted investors' sentiment.

Even now, the mass vaccination campaigns are gaining momentum. The vaccine is becoming more available for people. This led to the lifting of some restrictive measures imposed to curb the virus spread. All this may push demand for oil and fuel significantly higher.

In some countries, people have already begun travelling more than during the pandemic. This, in turn, is boosting demand for fuel to the pre-crisis levels. In particular, fuel consumption in China and India has already reached the levels logged in 2019.

European countries expect such a rise as early as next month. However, the situation has already changed for the better. According to the forecasts, in February, consumption of petrol may advance by 60 thousand barrels a day. At least, mobility indices in five largest EU countries, including the UK, Germany, Spain, France, and Italy, are confidently moving up. At the moment, they are just 37.7% lower than before the crisis. Notably, just a week ago, the difference was 40.4%.

Brent futures for April delivery inched up by 0.6% or $0.4 to settle at $67.44 per barrel. On Wednesday, Brent crude closed with a rise of 2.6% or $1.67. As a result, the oil contracts hit $67.07 per barrel, the level last seen almost two months ago.

At the same time, WTI futures for April delivery grew by 0.46% or $0.29 to trade at $63.51 per barrel. On Wednesday, the asset closed the trading session in the green zone with the total rise of 2.5% or $1.55. Thus, the price reached its two-month high of $63.22 per barrel.

Maria Shablon,
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 pulls strings — stock market sinks in response

Auto stocks tumble after Trump's tariff strike. Advanced Micro Devices slips. Jobless claims rise to 224,000. Dollar strengthens against Canadian dollar, Mexican peso. S&P 500 -0.33%, Nasdaq -0.53%, Dow -0.37%

11:46 2025-03-28 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 28

The White House imposed 25% tariffs on automobiles and parts, triggering a sell-off in the auto manufacturing sector and broad declines in major stock indices. The Dow Jones, S&P

Irina Maksimova 11:24 2025-03-28 UTC+2

Trump Pulls Strings, Stock Market Reacts With Crash

Auto Stocks Fall After Trump's Latest Tariff Blow Advanced Micro Devices Falls After Brokerage Downgrade Weekly Jobless Claims Total 224,000 Dollar Rises Against Canadian Dollar, Mexican Peso S&P 500 -0.33%

Thomas Frank 07:36 2025-03-28 UTC+2

New Tariffs on Cars: How They Will Hit the Stock Market and Automakers

The U.S. stock market faced pressure after 25% tariffs on imported cars were announced. President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing new duties on foreign-manufactured automobiles starting this April

Ekaterina Kiseleva 23:44 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Stakes rise: GameStop bets on crypto, Trump on tariffs

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to announce new auto tariffs in the near future. Dollar Tree shares rose following the sale of its Family Dollar business. GameStop stock surged

11:15 2025-03-27 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 27

US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on auto imports, triggering a sharp sell-off in equity markets. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices fell as investors grew concerned about escalating

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:02 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Stakes Rise: GameStop Plays Crypto, Trump Plays Tariffs

Trump Set to Announce Auto Tariffs Soon, Report Says Dollar Tree Rises on Family Dollar Business Sale GameStop Rises on Bitcoin Bet, Higher Q4 Profit Nikkei Falls 1%, South Korean

Thomas Frank 08:04 2025-03-27 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 26

Top banks are split on the S&P 500 outlook: the market remains in a zone of uncertainty. The S&P 500 is holding above a key level, but the rally lacks

Irina Maksimova 10:47 2025-03-26 UTC+2

US indices rise despite KB Home

On Tuesday, the US stock market showed moderate growth: shares of the giant Apple rushed up, while Nvidia shares went down. Investors closely reacted to fresh data on public sentiment

Thomas Frank 09:02 2025-03-26 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 25

Yesterday, the S&P 500 unexpectedly put on a show, jumping 1.76% to reach 5,769, a level last seen on January 13th. As if following a well-rehearsed script, the Marlin oscillator

Natalia Andreeva 11:50 2025-03-25 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.