WTI Crude Oil Futures Clock A 4% Decline

Piece Written By Nkosilathi Dube, Trive Financial Market Analyst 

In the intricate dynamics of global markets, the spotlight shines on the WTI Crude Oil Futures (NYMEX: CL) as it clocked in a notable 4% decline in the current week. This downturn unveils a compelling narrative, one that deviates from the seven-week streak of upward momentum witnessed prior. An intriguing question emerges: What forces are steering these oil futures onto a downward trajectory?  

The culprit appears to be sluggish economic indicators emerging from China, a key player in the world economy. The emergence of lacklustre data hinting at a deceleration in economic growth has cast a shadow over crude oil demand prospects, echoing the impact of weakness in the world’s second-largest economy. With pivotal metrics such as retail sales, industrial production, and fixed asset investment receding in July, the oil futures find their ascent capped.  

In addition, the allure of upbeat U.S. economic data, buoyed by unexpected retail sales gains and a hawkish undertone from the Federal Reserve’s FOMC Minutes, has nudged traders toward safe-haven assets, propelling the Greenback to a two-month pinnacle.  

Technische Analyse 

The WTI crude oil futures have taken a step back, marking a three-day retreat that has captured attention. This retreat has etched a compelling narrative as it crossed beneath the critical 100-day moving average, a key validation of a prevailing downtrend.  

A notable milestone occurred as the oil futures revisited a ten-day low, finding a foothold at the $79.05 per barrel (BLL) support level. Amid this downward trajectory, a noteworthy resistance emerged at $81.43 BLL, ushering in a period of consolidation before the downward impetus regained its vigour. The historic significance of the support level, a domain where demand triumphed supply merely ten days prior, complemented by an oversold reading on the Relative Strength Index, hints at the possibility of a sustained reversal.  

As oil traders gaze into the future, optimism may centre on the $81.43 BLL resistance, poised as a crucial juncture for a potential upside surge. In contrast, a more cautious perspective might fixate on the $79.05 BLL support, representing a threshold that could beckon further downward momentum. 

Zusammenfassung 

The oil futures’ support level, pivotal in prior rallies, could act as a base, potentially leading to a rise toward $81.43 per barrel. Yet, a breach below, accompanied by high volumes, might signal bearishness, hinting at the possibility of deeper declines ahead. 

Quellen: Reuters, TradingView 

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