BRENT crude rose more than $1 a barrel yesterday and oil prices were on track for their first weekly gain in three weeks after US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping resumed trade talks, raising hopes for growth and stronger demand in the world’s two largest economies.
Brent crude futures gained $1.50, or 1.61 per cent, to $66.39 a barrel by afternoon yesterday. US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed $1.02, or 1.61pc, to $64.39.
On a weekly basis, both benchmarks were on track to settle higher after declining for two straight weeks. Brent has advanced 2.75pc this week, while WTI is trading 4.9pc higher.
China’s official Xinhua news agency said trade talks between Xi and Trump took place at Washington’s request. Trump said the call had led to a “very positive conclusion,” adding the US was “in very good shape with China and the trade deal.”
Canada also continued trade talks with the US, with Prime Minister Mark Carney in direct contact with Trump, according to Industry Minister Melanie Joly.
The oil market continued to swing with news on tariff negotiations and data showing how trade uncertainty and the impact of the US levies are flowing through into the global economy.
“The potential for increased US sanctions in Venezuela to limit crude exports and the potential for Israeli strike on Iranian infrastructure add to upside risks for prices,” analysts at BMI, a Fitch affiliate, said in a note yesterday.
“But both weaker demand for oil and increased production from both Opec+ and non-Opec producers will add to downside price pressures in the coming quarters.”
Top exporter Saudi Arabia cut its July crude prices for Asia to near two-month lows. That was a smaller price reduction than expected after Opec+ agreed to ramp up output by 411,000 barrels per day in July.
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