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Crude oil prices see an uptick amid the Ukraine conflict

By Newsdesk

March 18 2024
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Invest

Crude oil prices see an uptick amid the Ukraine conflict

By Newsdesk
March 18 2024

Recent developments have led to a noticeable increase in crude oil prices, following Ukraine's targeting of several Russian oil refineries.

Crude oil prices see an uptick amid the Ukraine conflict

By Newsdesk

March 18 2024
Share

Recent developments have led to a noticeable increase in crude oil prices, following Ukraine's targeting of several Russian oil refineries.

Crude oil prices see an uptick amid the Ukraine conflict

This strategic move by Ukraine has inflicted damage on approximately 12% of Russia's oil-processing capabilities, directly influencing global oil markets. The incident has triggered a positive momentum in oil prices, with the barrel of US crude testing the $80 per barrel (pb) mark. Despite the potential for prices to breach this threshold owing to escalating tensions, analysts remain skeptical of a long-term surge beyond this level absent continued geopolitical unrest.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, a Senior Analyst at Swissquote Bank, commented on the situation, stating that "offers near $80pb could be cleared on the back of rising tensions, yet I doubt that we will see a sustainable rise in oil prices above this level when the geopolitical jitters disappear from the headlines." This sentiment echoes the broader market's cautious stance towards the volatile dynamics at play.

In addition to the oil market fluctuations, the broader economic landscape is witnessing mixed signals. Recent data pointing to a hotter-than-expected US Consumer Price Index (CPI) has led to investor apprehension concerning the Federal Reserve's near-term monetary policy trajectory. The Central Bank's capacity to implement rate cuts as early as June has come into question, further complicating the economic outlook.

Attention is also turning towards upcoming US retail sales and producer price inflation data. Positive movements in these indicators could challenge the current expectations around Federal Reserve policy adjustments, potentially impacting US yields and the dollar's trajectory. Ongoing tensions between significant global powers, notably the US and China over issues such as TikTok, further compound the complex geopolitical environment impacting financial markets.

As this scenario unfolds, the energy sector remains a critical focal point for investors worldwide. The direct link between geopolitical tensions and oil supply dynamics underscores the delicate balance that underpins global oil markets. While immediate price movements reflect current uncertainties, the longer-term outlook for crude oil prices remains contingent on a myriad of factors, both geopolitical and economic.

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