Oil Market Analysis - 17/12/2024The oil market is currently under pressure, with WTI down to $69.30 and Brent at $72.66. The main causes are:
Pemex Production Recovery: Oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have returned to full capacity after improved weather conditions and the end of the hurricane season. This has increased available supply, partially offsetting the decline in Russian production.
Decline in Russian Crude: Russian maritime oil exports have fallen by 11% since October due to maintenance at a key terminal. This has temporarily limited flows but has not significantly supported prices due to increased production from other sources like Pemex.
Strengthening US Dollar: The Dollar Index (DXY) is around 107.00, gaining strength thanks to preliminary US PMI data for December, which signals the fastest economic growth in 33 months, driven by the services sector. A strong dollar negatively impacts oil, making it more expensive for buyers using other currencies.
API Expectations: Crude inventory data from the API, scheduled for 21:30 GMT, could add volatility. Last week, there was a build of 0.499 million barrels.
EU Sanctions: The EU has imposed sanctions on a Dutch trader involved in trading Russian oil above the price cap. The impact on volumes remains limited for now.
Oil Technical Analysis
Price Range: Oil is trading within a range between $67.00 (support) and $71.50 (upper resistance), with this band likely extending into January 2025.
Resistance: The key resistance is located at $71.03 (100-day SMA) and $71.46, where prices encountered selling pressure last week.
A breakout above $71.03 could push prices toward $75.27, but caution is needed for quick profit-taking as the year-end approaches.
Support: The first solid support is at $67.12, a level that held prices in May-June 2023. A break below could see crude testing the 2024 yearly low at $64.75 and then $64.38, the 2023 low.