Oil Price Analysis and News
- Risk Off Sentiment and Rising US Crude Inventories adds to Bearish Trend
- Mild Reprieve in Oil as China-US Trade Talks are set to Resume
For a more in-depth analysis on Oil Prices, check out the Q3 Forecast for Oil
Crude Oil Sentiment Remains Bearish
Brent and WTI crude futures have seen a mild reprieve this morning after falling to the lowest level since early April. Much of the losses had stemmed from the negative sentiment, consequently weighing on riskier assets, while the declines were exacerbated following the latest DoE crude inventories data. The report noted that US crude stocks had increased by 6.8mbpd, which was significantly above expectations of a fall of 2.5mbpd. This is also the third consecutive week that oil prices have come under heavy selling pressure following DoE statistics.
Elsewhere, the slight recovery in oil prices have come amid reports that the US and China are to resume trade talks at the end of the month. However, with Chinese delegation to be led by the Vice Commerce Minister, who will hold talks with the Deputy Treasury Secretary suggest that given the level of importance, resolving differences will take some time.
Key Technical Breach Adds to Negative Momentum
Following yesterday’s price action, both benchmarks have now broken below the important 200DMA ($71.44 for Brent, $65.89 for WTI). Consequently, this has strengthened the short term negative momentum given that crude oil is not yet reached oversold levels. Brent crude is eying the key $70 level, while the June lows at $63.40 is in focus for WTI.
OIL PRICE CHART: Daily Time-Frame (January 2018-August 2018)
What Does Current IG Client Positioning Suggest About the Next Move in Crude Oil?
Data shows 73.3% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 2.74 to 1. In fact, traders have remained net-long since Jul 11 when Oil - US Crude traded near 7250.5; price has moved 11.0% lower since then. The number of traders net-long is 9.8% higher than yesterday and 13.8% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 3.7% lower than yesterday and 8.5% lower from last week.
We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Oil - US Crude prices may continue to fall. Positioning is more net-long than yesterday but less net-long from last week. The combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a further mixed Oil - US Crude trading bias.
--- Written by Justin McQueen, Market Analyst
To contact Justin, email him at Justin.mcqueen@ig.com
Follow Justin on Twitter @JMcQueenFX
