👀 Ones to watch: The MOST undervalued stocks to buy right nowSee Undervalued Stocks

Brent Creeps Upward On Weak US Data

Published 06/27/2013, 07:48 AM
Updated 05/14/2017, 06:45 AM
CL
-
NWSA
-

Brent crude oil rose on Thursday after poor economic data from the US gave investors reason to believe the Fed wouldn't roll back its stimulus program in the near future. The commodity approached $102 and traded at $101.93 at 8:02 GMT on Thursday morning.

CNBC reported that the US government released a trimmed annual economic growth rate forecast of 1.8 percent, down from the original 2.4 percent estimate. The figure, which was an annual estimate from first quarter GDP, indicates that the US economy could still have a few gaps keeping it from steady growth and recovery. The news led many to believe that the US central bank will have to think twice before cutting its $85 billion per month stimulus.

Although the prospect of continued quantitative easing from the Fed has supported Brent prices, the figures pose a double edged sword as they also indicate a lack of demand growth in the number one oil consuming nation.

Rising gasoline inventories in the US kept a lid on gains from the weak GDP data, though, as most were expecting stocks to be depleted during the summertime driving season. The US Energy Information Administration released data on Wednesday that showed gasoline stocks grew by 3.65 million barrels for the week ending on June 21st. This came as a surprise to analysts who had been expecting gains of just 900,000 barrels.

Next week, US nonfarm payrolls data will be released and could drive Brent prices as many are using the figures to determine the Fed's timeline for rolling in its stimulus. However, Brent is poised to end its third consecutive quarter at a loss as the commodity has fallen 8.5 percent so far.

BY Laura Brodbeck

Latest comments

Loading next article…
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.