Oil Rises Slightly as Economic Outlook Concerns Mount

Oil clung to a slight gain after a slew of rate hikes around the world reaffirmed central bankers would continue to fight inflation at the expense of economic growth. 

West Texas Intermediate settled near $83 a barrel, sticking close to the previous day’s close. Equity markets fell under the weight of multiple interest rate hikes from Norway to South Africa, putting a lid on oil prices. Markets are largely following macroeconomic indicators after the Fed boosted rates by 75 basis points for a third straight time, casting a shadow on oil’s demand outlook. 

Traders are “waiting for the next headline to dictate market direction here,” said Robert Yawger, director of the energy futures division at Mizuho Securities USA. “You’re looking for some kind of fundamental part of the puzzle to change dramatically to put the bid in.” 

Crude remains on track for its first quarterly decline in more than two years on concerns that demand may be crimped by an economic slowdown. 

Nonetheless, geopolitical risks to supply and OPEC’s readiness to support prices with production cuts have provided a floor of sorts. OPEC would consider additional cuts if crude prices fall because current levels are affecting the budgets of some members, Nigeria’s oil minister Timipre Sylva told Bloomberg Thursday,

Data this week showed that signs of economic slowdown are mounting, as US gasoline and diesel demand fell to the lowest seasonal levels in more than a decade. The Energy Information Administration also reported nationwide US crude stockpiles and those at the key storage hub at Cushing, Oklahoma, expanded last week.

Prices:

• WTI for November delivery rose 55 cents to $83.49 a barrel at market close in New York.
• Brent for November settlement gained 63 cents to settle at $90.46 a barrel.

Traders are also watching bullish indicators for the coming months, including an escalation of Russia’s invasion to Ukraine that prompted EU member states to push for the adoption of a price cap on Russian oil before its sanctions take effect in December. 

The sanctions could further crimp supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously said Russia would not supply commodities to nations that introduce price caps.

(with assistance from Devika Krishna Kumar and Julia Fanzeres)