Crude Futures on Track for Weekly Declines as Mideast Worries Fade, U.S. Inventories Rise

  • Oil prices rise on news of possible extension of production cuts
  • West Texas Intermediate crude up 0.3%, Brent crude up 0.4%
  • OPEC+ members willing to consider extending cuts if demand doesn’t pick up
  • Crude on track for weekly decline of 5.6% and 2.7% respectively
  • Cease-fire between Israel and Hamas reduces risk premium
  • Large jump in U.S. crude inventories puts pressure on crude
  • Speculation of extended output cuts could stabilize price at $84 per barrel

Oil futures rose on Friday as traders reacted to a news report suggesting that some OPEC+ members would be open to extending production cuts beyond the second quarter. West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery rose 0.3% to $79.21 a barrel, while July Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up 0.4% at $84.01 a barrel. However, both crude futures were still on track for weekly declines of 5.6% and 2.7% respectively. OPEC+ producers are set to meet on June 1 to discuss the possibility of extending the voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels a day, which are due to expire at the end of the quarter. The recent reduction in the risk premium associated with fears of a wider regional war, due to hopes for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, has also contributed to the decline in crude prices. Additionally, a significant increase in U.S. crude inventories earlier this week has put further pressure on crude. However, speculation that OPEC+ nations might prolong their voluntary output cuts could help stabilize the price of crude, potentially establishing $84 per barrel as a support level.

Factuality Level: 3
Factuality Justification: The article provides a brief update on oil futures and the factors influencing their prices, such as OPEC+ discussions and market drivers. However, it lacks depth and context, contains some unnecessary details, and does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation. The information presented seems factual but is limited in scope.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the rise in oil futures and the factors influencing the market. It includes details about OPEC+ members considering extending production cuts and the impact on crude prices. However, the article lacks depth in analysis and does not explore potential long-term trends or consequences of the decisions discussed.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Oil futures market
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article pertains to the financial topic of oil futures and discusses the potential extension of production cuts by OPEC+ members. However, there is no mention of an extreme event or its impact.
Private Companies: ActivTrades
Key People: Ricardo Evangelista (Senior Analyst at ActivTrades)

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com