By Ann Koh and Alex Longley
Oil is back above $40 a barrel, with most of the gains coming earlier in the week after President Donald Trump left hospital following his treatment for Covid-19. Initial optimism over a U.S. stimulus package also boosted prices, but there’s doubt about a deal. Further upside, however, may be limited as a resurgence in virus infections crimps demand, while OPEC+ and Libya add more supply to an already glutted market.
Oil is “today a bit lower on profit taking” after rallying in recent days, said Hans van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN Amro. “With Republicans and Democrats not able to come to an agreement regarding a stimulus package, the sentiment may deteriorate once again.”
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In a sign that the market may be growing more confident that the strike in Norway can be resolved, Brent’s nearest timespread slumped on Friday. The spread had strengthened in recent days as the walkout threatened to expand, but those concerns are now easing.
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Hurricane Delta has strengthened to a Category 3 storm with winds of 120 miles (193 kilometers) per hour. Energy companies have evacuated staff from offshore and onshore facilities, with operators in the Gulf of Mexico shutting 1.7 million barrels a day of oil output.
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