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Oil reduces from greatest in weeks, financiers eye Fed rate cuts

Oil futures eased from their greatest levels in weeks as investors waited for a meeting of the Federal Reserve later on this week for indication of additional rate cuts.

Falls were limited nevertheless by issues of supply disturbances in case of more U.S. sanctions on major suppliers Russia and Iran.

Brent unrefined futures fell 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $ 74.28 a barrel by 0110 GMT after settling at their highest level given that Nov. 22 on Friday.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 30 cents, or 0.4%, to $70.99 a barrel after reaching its highest settlement level considering that Nov. 7 in the previous session.

Oil costs were boosted by new European Union sanctions on Russian oil recently and expectations of tighter sanctions on Iranian supply, IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen informed Reuters on Friday that the U.S. is taking a look at further sanctions on dark fleet tankers and will not rule out sanctions on Chinese banks as it looks for to reduce Russia's oil income and access to foreign materials to fuel its war in Ukraine.

Fresh U.S. sanctions on entities trading Iranian oil are currently driving rates of the crude sold to China to the highest in years. The incoming Trump administration is anticipated to ramp up pressure on Iran.

Oil prices were also supported by essential reserve bank interest rate cuts in Canada, Europe and Switzerland last week and expectations the Fed will cut rates this week, Sycamore stated.

The Fed is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter of a. portion point at its Dec. 17-18 conference which will likewise. offer an upgraded look at how much even more Fed authorities believe. they will reduce rates in 2025 and maybe into 2026.

Lower rate of interest can boost financial growth and demand. for oil.

(source: Reuters)