OPEC's revised outlook signals robust demand for 2023, countering fears of declining crude oil market interest.
In contrast, the U.S. plans to purchase 1.2 million barrels of oil for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, potentially bolstering demand.
Moreover, OPEC and its allies, including top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia, have affirmed their commitment to additional voluntary output cuts until year-end, countering concerns over demand and economic growth.
The geopolitical landscape is also shaping oil market dynamics. The U.S. crackdown on Russian oil exports, including probing 100 vessels for sanctions violations, has sparked supply disruption fears. Concurrently, talks in Iraq to restart an oil pipeline through the Kurdistan region and Turkey, which has been halted since late March, could introduce additional supply, potentially offsetting some of the market’s bullish sentiment.
Considering these factors, the short-term outlook for oil prices appears cautiously bullish. While the market has experienced a recent downtrend, this week’s price action suggests crude oil may have found a floor. The ongoing supply cuts by major exporters and potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions are likely to support prices. However, the market remains sensitive to further economic data releases and developments in key consumer nations.
The market’s focus now turns to upcoming events, including the International Energy Agency’s latest oil market report and key U.S. economic data releases. Additionally, developments from the APEC summit and China’s potential monetary policy actions will be closely watched, as they could further influence oil price trajectories. The next OPEC+ meeting, scheduled for November 26, is also anticipated, as it could provide further insights into the group’s strategy amid evolving market conditions.
The current daily price of light crude oil futures at $78.49 is marginally above the previous close of $78.26, indicating a slight upward movement.
It’s positioned between the 200-day moving average (78.15) and the 50-day moving average (85.57), suggesting a potential consolidation phase. The proximity to the 200-day moving average could offer support, but the distance from the 50-day average indicates a lack of strong bullish momentum.
The price is slightly above the minor support of 77.43, but below the minor resistance of 82.68. This positioning, closer to the main support at 72.48 than the main resistance at 88.21, suggests a cautious or bearish market sentiment in the short term.
A sustained move over the 200-day moving average is needed to trigger a rally into the 50-day moving average.
James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.