Oil prices fluctuated amid disappointing China economic indicators

Sharjah24 – Reuters: After China reported its worst economic growth in almost 50 years on Tuesday, oil prices were mixed, but there was still hope that the country’s fuel demand would improve after the COVID policy was reversed in late 2022.

Brent crude futures had risen 16 cents, or 0.2%, to $84.62 by 0414 GMT, recouping some of the 1% loss of the previous session.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures slid 60 cents, or 0.8%, to $79.26 from Friday’s close. There was no settlement on Monday due to the United States having a holiday for Martin Luther King Day.

“Brent crude has gained nearly 10% over the past 10 days as optimism over China’s reopening boosted sentiment. However, the outlook for the rest of the global economy is uncertain,” ANZ commodity analysts said in a client note.

ANZ also pointed to a jump in crude supply from Russia weighing on the market, with seaborne exports having risen to 3.8 million barrels per day last week, the highest level since April.