Oil Bounces on Trade Hopes, But Supply Glut Caps Gains

crude oil prices

Today market analysis on behalf of Hani Abuagla Senior Market Analyst at XTB MENA

Oil prices are recovering today from a recent plunge to five-month lows on Friday, driven primarily by a shift in market sentiment. This relief rally was fueled by retreating concerns over a potential escalation of trade tensions between the US and China after the US administration adopted a softer tone over the weekend.

At the same time, strong Chinese customs data showed September crude imports rising to approximately 11.5 million barrels per day (b/d), indicating healthy demand and potentially supporting the market.

However, this upward momentum could continue to face headwinds. The market’s narrative could remain dominated by ample supply and a weak global macroeconomic outlook. Projections of record-high US crude production, expected to hit 13.53 million b/d, contribute to concerns of an oversupplied market in addition to OPEC+ output increases.

The recent easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on prices as well. Markets could remain attentive to the geopolitical developments in the region.