WTI Crude Oil Nears $78 as OPEC+ Meeting and Output Cuts Await Decision
Arslan Butt•Monday, May 27, 2024•2 min read
Oil prices remained stable in Asian trading on Monday as markets anticipate the upcoming OPEC+ meeting on June 2. During this meeting, producers are expected to discuss maintaining voluntary output cuts for the remainder of the year. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose by $0.24 to $77.96 per barrel.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) have postponed their meeting by a day, now set to be held online. Producers will discuss extending the voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) into the second half of the year.
Sources from OPEC+ suggest that an extension is likely. Combined with an additional 3.66 million bpd of cuts already in place, these measures amount to nearly 6% of global oil demand.
US Economic Data Impact
Sugandha Sachdeva, founder of SS WealthStreet, notes that WTI crude oil prices are expected to maintain current gains due to the anticipated extension of output cuts.
OPEC projects strong growth in oil demand of 2.25 million bpd this year, while the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a slower growth rate of 1.2 million bpd. ANZ analysts highlight that gasoline usage will be closely monitored as the Northern Hemisphere enters summer, a peak season for driving holidays.
Despite a post-COVID high in U.S. holiday trips, improved fuel efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) may keep oil demand subdued, although this could be offset by increasing air travel.
WTI Crude Oil Price Forecast
WTI crude oil is currently trading at $77.96 per barrel. Immediate resistance levels are at $78.50, $79.00, and $80.00. On the downside, support levels are at $77.00, $76.50, and $75.50.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 50, indicating neutral momentum, while the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is at $77.86, suggesting mild support around this level.
Crude Oil Price Forecast: Technical Outlook
The pivot point, indicated by the green line, is set at $77.56, which serves as a critical level for potential market direction. Immediate resistance levels are noted at $78.29, $79.01, and $79.92.
On the downside, support levels are positioned at $76.87, $76.13, and $75.46.Technical indicators show the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 58.00, suggesting bullish momentum.
The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is at $77.69, indicating a supportive trend.In conclusion, the outlook remains bullish above $77.50.
However, a break below this pivot point could trigger a sharp selling trend. WTI crude oil prices are likely to remain supported ahead of the OPEC+ meeting, with a bullish outlook if production cuts are extended.
However, economic indicators such as the U.S. PPI and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy will also play significant roles in determining the market direction.
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.
His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.
His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.