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Crude oil prices have been steadily rising as traders and investors gear up for the upcoming decisions from central banks from across the world.According to a report from oil giant BP, Brent crude oil is currently trading at around $75 per barrel – up from the levels of around $72 per barrel from last week.
The increase in oil prices is primarily attributed to the expectations of monetary policy decisions from the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan. These central banks are expected to adjust their monetary policy; in particular, they are anticipated to establish whether or not they will raise or lower interest rates.
Oil traders are hoping that a rate cut from central banks would be supportive of crude oil prices, as lower interest rates would be bullish for oil demand. This trend has already been seen in the United States, where crude oil prices have risen amid speculation that the Federal Reserve might reduce borrowing costs in order to stimulate the economy.
Moreover, crude oil prices have also been supported by strong demand from China, the world’s second-largest oil importer. Chinese demand has increased due to the country’s efforts to replenish its strategic petroleum reserves amid rising global oil prices.
At the same time, market watchers remain cautious as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain elevated. In particular, rising tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia could potentially disrupt oil supplies and cause significant volatility in the oil market.
Overall, crude oil prices have been rising as investors and traders await key decisions from central banks. The impact of Central Bank decisions on oil demand remains to be seen, but traders are hopeful that a rate cut would be supportive of oil prices in the near-term.