Crude oil prices increase as China’s industry activity increases expectations for demand

The world’s second-largest consumer of crude oil, China, saw an increase in manufacturing activity on Friday morning, which helped lift confidence. At the same time, fears over Middle Eastern supply also increased. Brent futures, up almost 6% this week, were up 15 cents, or 0.19%, at $79.42 per barrel. After increasing by approximately 8% this…

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Crude oil prices decline as traders assess remarks from the Fed chair and the rate increase

After three sessions of gains, oil prices declined on Thursday when U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated his commitment to containing inflation, including the likelihood of additional interest rate increases. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) dropped 84 cents, or 1.2%, to $70.06 while Brent crude futures dropped 80 cents, or 1%, to $75.89…

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Oil is nearly unchanged as U.S. crude stock draw battles economic worries

On Thursday, oil prices remained almost unchanged due to a larger-than-anticipated drop in U.S. crude stocks and concerns that more aggressive U.S. interest rate increases would slow economic growth and reduce oil consumption. Brent crude futures had increased by 5 cents to $82.71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures had increased by…

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