Oil prices remained steady in early Asian trading on Friday but are poised to end the week higher for the second consecutive week, driven by the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cut and declining global crude stockpiles.
Brent futures were trading slightly lower, down 19 cents to US$73.69 a barrel, but are up 4.3% for the week. Meanwhile, US crude rose six cents to US$72.01 a barrel, marking a 4.8% weekly gain. Both benchmarks have been recovering after reaching near three-year lows earlier this month, registering gains in five of the past seven sessions.
The Fed's half-percentage-point rate cut on Wednesday has boosted expectations of increased economic activity and energy demand, despite concerns that the move signals a weaker US labor market. Additionally, US crude inventories dropped to a one-year low last week, further supporting prices.
Analysts from Citi expect Brent crude to hover between US$70 and US$75 per barrel next quarter, citing a counter-seasonal oil market deficit of about 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). However, they warned prices could decline in 2025.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are also providing upward pressure on prices, following recent explosions linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Despite these positive factors, weak demand from China, the world’s second-largest economy, continues to weigh on oil markets. China’s refinery output slowed for the fifth straight month in August, with industrial output growth and retail sales also declining.
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