Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: US Inventories Drop 3.1M Barrels, WTI Up 0.12%

By:

Arslan Ali

Updated: May 15, 2024, 10:26 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

U.S. oil inventories fell by 3.1 million barrels, surpassing the expected 1.1 million drop.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell's remarks on the resilient U.S. economy boosted oil market sentiment.
Hotter-than-expected U.S. PPI inflation data raises concerns over upcoming CPI figures.

In this article:

Natural Gas

-1.74%

WTI Oil

-1.51%

Brent Oil

-1.75%

Market Overview

Oil prices increased in Asian trade on Wednesday due to a larger-than-expected drop in U.S. inventories and growing expectations of tighter supplies. Data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) revealed a 3.1 million barrel reduction in U.S. oil inventories for the week ending May 10, surpassing the forecasted 1.1 million barrel draw.

Additionally, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks on the resilience of the U.S. economy and China’s plans for a significant bond issuance supported market sentiment.

However, gains were tempered by hotter-than-expected U.S. producer price index (PPI) inflation data, raising concerns over upcoming consumer price index (CPI) figures and their impact on Federal Reserve policies.

Natural Gas Price Forecast

Natural Gas (NG) Price Chart

Natural Gas (NG) is trading at $2.47, up 0.12%. The 4-hour chart identifies key price levels with a pivot point at $2.32. Immediate resistance is at $2.40, with further resistance levels at $2.45 and $2.51. On the downside, immediate support is at $2.28, followed by $2.22 and $2.15. The 50-day EMA is at $2.23, while the 200-day EMA stands at $2.00.

Technical indicators suggest a mixed outlook. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently neutral. The price action below the pivot point of $2.32 indicates a bearish trend. However, if NG breaks above $2.32, it could boost bullish sentiment and potentially lead to higher levels.

WTI Oil Price Forecast

WTI Price Chart

USOIL is trading at $78.49, up 0.15%. On the 4-hour chart, the pivot point is at $78.76. Immediate resistance levels are at $79.28, $80.37, and $81.37. Immediate support is at $77.73, with further support at $76.85 and $75.83. The 50-day EMA is at $79.14, and the 200-day EMA is at $80.89.

Technical indicators suggest a cautious outlook. USOIL remains bearish below the pivot point of $78.76. A break above this level could signal a shift to a bullish trend, targeting the immediate resistance levels. Conversely, a drop below $78.76 may reinforce the bearish sentiment.

Brent Oil Price Forecast

Brent Price Chart

UKOIL is trading at $82.82, up 0.12%. The 4-hour chart shows a pivot point at $83.12. Immediate resistance levels are at $84.44, $85.57, and $86.79. On the downside, immediate support is at $82.08, followed by $80.99 and $79.65. The 50-day EMA is at $83.64, while the 200-day EMA is at $85.44.

Technical indicators suggest a cautious stance. UKOIL remains bearish below the pivot point of $83.12. A break above this level could signal a shift to a bullish trend, targeting the immediate resistance levels. Conversely, a drop below $83.12 may reinforce the bearish outlook.

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About the Author

Arslan Aliauthor

Arslan is a finance MBA and also holds an MPhil degree in behavioral finance. An expert in financial analysis and investor psychology, Arslan uses his academic background to bring valuable insights about market sentiment and whether instruments are likely to be overbought or oversold.

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