Oil retreats from multi-month highs ahead of Fed decision

Oil prices edged lower on Wednesday after hitting multi-month highs in the previous session, as investors braced for the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy announcement later in the day.

Brent crude futures for May fell 62 cents, or 0.71%, to $86.76 a barrel by 1028 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for April delivery, which expire on Wednesday’s settlement, fell 71 cents, or 0.85%, to $82.76 a barrel. The more active May WTI contract was at $82.11 a barrel, down 62 cents, or 0.75%.

Investors are looking ahead to the Federal Reserve’s announcement later on Wednesday for signs of its interest rate path for the rest of the year.

Unified Pension Scheme: What will be minimum and maximum pensions of govt employees under 8th Pay Commission – Check calculations Tax clearance certificate for foreign travel ‘not for all’: CBDT RBI may start rate cut cycle from December, says Barclays EPFO Update: No interest on PF deposits; stricter transfer, withdrawal norms for THESE members

The Fed is not predicted to cut borrowing costs, but fresh economic projections could signal fewer interest rate cuts and a later start to the policy easing than previously expected.

The U.S. dollar index edged higher ahead of the Fed decision, which can also dent oil demand for buyers in countries using other currencies.

“Profit-taking could be a reason for the downside movement today,” Auckland-based independent analyst Tina Teng said, adding that the recent price rally has been supported by improving demand outlook and signs of supply reduction. Come from Sports betting site VPbet

Brent had settled at its highest since Oct. 31 in the previous session, at $87.38 a barrel, while WTI hit its highest since Oct. 27 at $83.47.

Ukrainian attacks on Russian refining assets have helped propel crude prices higher, as market participants assessed the impact on crude and fuel supply balances.

“If these disruptions are prolonged, it could eventually force Russian producers to reduce supply if they are unable to export all of this crude oil,” ING analyst Warren Patterson said.

Investors will also be looking ahead to official stockpile data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration is at 1430 GMT on Wednesday.

The American Petroleum Institute reported U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles fell last week, while distillate inventories rose, according to sources.

Related Posts

PFC gains over 5%; brokerages hike target price by as much as 28%

Shares of Power Finance Corporation Ltd. opened with gains of up to 5% on Wednesday, buoyed by sustained bullish stances from multiple brokerage firms following the company’s…

Share Market Highlights- Market ends in red! Nifty slips below 24,150, Sensex plunges over 700 points; Financial Services and PSU Banks sees sharp cut

S Share Market News Today | Sensex, Nifty, Share Prices Highlights: The benchmark equity indices ended Tuesday’s trading session in the negative territory. The NSE Nifty 50…

Why Your Pharmacy Experience Is Miserable

If you’ve been to a pharmacy to pick up a prescription lately, you might have wanted to bang your head against the wall. Chains and independent pharmacies…

No, Mr. And Mrs. Potato Head Aren't Going Anywhere

For the first time possibly ever, the plastic toy Mr. Potato Head ended up going viral Thursday, due to Hasbro announcing that the branded toy would lose…

Tempest Rising Channels The Feel Of 1990s RTS Classics

Developer and publisher 3D Realms is looking to bring back a classic 1990s-style real-time strategy experience with Tempest Rising, an RTS that has you fighting over resources…

Caesar’s 54th WSOP Tournament at Horseshoe Las Vegas Planned For February

The former Bally’s Las Vegas hotel, now renamed Horseshoe Las Vegas, will host this year’s Caesar’s 54th World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Tournament for the very…