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Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: WTI Clings to $77; Can the Trendline Fuel Gains?

By:
Arslan Ali
Published: Aug 16, 2024, 06:25 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • Oil prices set for a second weekly gain, driven by strong U.S. economic data and supply concerns.
  • Chinese refineries cut crude processing, capping oil price increases amid weak domestic fuel demand.
  • Geopolitical tensions and economic indicators will heavily influence future oil and natural gas price movements.
Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: WTI Clings to $77; Can the Trendline Fuel Gains?

In this article:

Market Overview

Oil prices are set for a second consecutive weekly gain, despite a slight dip on Friday. This increase is driven by better-than-expected U.S. retail sales and lower-than-anticipated unemployment claims, signalling strong economic growth in the world’s largest oil consumer.

Analysts note that supply concerns and positive economic data have bolstered investor sentiment. However, Chinese refineries have reduced crude processing due to weak fuel demand, capping further price increases.

These developments suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook for both oil and natural gas markets, with geopolitical tensions and economic indicators playing key roles in future price movements.

Natural Gas Price Forecast

Natural Gas (NG) Price Chart
Natural Gas (NG) Price Chart

WTI Crude Oil (USOIL) is trading at $80.72, down 0.23% for the day. On the 4-hour chart, the price is supported by an upward trendline, holding just below the pivot point at $81.27.

This suggests a cautious bullish outlook. Immediate resistance is seen at $82.31, with further targets at $83.49 and $84.45. The 50-day EMA at $80.04 offers additional support, while the 200-day EMA at $81.27 is a critical resistance point.

A break above $81.27 could boost bullish momentum, but a failure to hold this level might lead to a decline toward $79.57 and $78.69.

Brent Oil Price Forecast

Brent Price Chart
Brent Price Chart

Brent Oil (UKOIL) is currently trading at $80.72, down 0.23% on the day. On the 4-hour chart, the price is sitting just below the pivot point at $81.27, signalling a potential bearish trend if it fails to break higher. Immediate resistance lies at $82.31, with further levels at $83.49 and $84.45.

The 50-day EMA is at $80.04, offering some support, but the 200-day EMA at $81.27 is acting as a critical resistance level.

If Brent Oil breaks below the immediate support at $79.57, we could see further declines toward $78.69 and $77.62. However, a break above $81.27 could shift the momentum to the upside, boosting the chances of a bullish continuation.

About the Author

Arslan, a webinar speaker and derivatives analyst, has an MBA in Finance and MPhil in Behavioral Finance. He guides financial analysis, trading, and cryptocurrency forecasting. Expert in trading psychology and sentiment.

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