Oil prices rose yesterday as the market expects the incoming U.S. administration to “act big” in the next COVID relief package.
During the inauguration of President Joe Biden, WTI Crude was up 1.53 per cent at $53.77, and Brent Crude prices were trading above $56 a barrel—up by 1.16 per cent at $56.52, very close to the 11-month high prices attained last week.
The U.S. dollar dropped after Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen told the Senate Finance Committee that the U.S. should “act big” in the upcoming stimulus package. The weaker dollar makes crude cheaper for holders of other currencies, while the overall bullish market sentiment also sent investors and speculators to riskier assets, such as shares and commodities.
Yesterday, the market was looking beyond the near-term oil demand scares, stoked by the continued lockdowns in many parts of Europe and now returning in parts of China, too. On Tuesday, Germany extended its lockdown until the middle of February.
But market participants were looking beyond the first quarter, hopeful that a large stimulus package in the U.S. would result in a rebound in the world’s biggest economy, and relief packages in other economies will also help growth, and by extension, oil demand, later this year.
Although it cut oil demand forecasts for Q1 and 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its closely-watched Oil Market Report on Tuesday that “Much more oil is likely to be required, given our forecast for a substantial improvement in demand in the second half of the year.”
“The market shrugged off another downgrade to global demand growth from the International Energy Agency who said that renewed lockdowns to contain the pandemic would weigh on consumption during the current quarter,” Saxo Bank said early on Wednesday.
READ ALSO: Makinde warns Sunday Igboho, others over ultimatum to Fulanis
READ ALSO: Why ex-IG implicated me in Offa robbery, Saraki explains in recirculated video
Are you an artiste? Do you want your music to go viral and reach a large number of audience? Promote your music and Submit your story on Ujuayalogusblog.com by clicking here. For Advert Inquiries Tel/+44(0)7590363984
For More: Subscribe to Ujuayalogusblog.com
No comments:
Post a Comment