Crude Prices Decline, Following Equity Markets After U.S. Economic Reports

Crude oil fell the most in three weeks as U.S. jobless claims and manufacturing orders trailed forecasts, stirring concern that the global economic recovery may falter and crimp energy demand growth. Oil decreased as much as 3.7 percent to the lowest level in a week as the number of Americans filing first time claims for unemployment insurance unexpectedly increased last week, and durable goods excluding transportation declined in January.

“It’s going to take better jobs, better consumer confidence, better business confidence and getting everything going into a better direction before you can support crude oil in a $75 to $80 level,” said Adam Sieminski, chief energy economist at Deutsche Bank AG in Washington.

Crude oil for April delivery fell $2.71, or 3.4 percent, to $77.29 a barrel at 11:36 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the biggest decline since Feb. 4. Earlier, it touched $80.32. Oil has dropped 2.6 percent this year.

Initial jobless applications rose by 22,000 to 496,000 in the week ended Feb. 20, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. The total number of people receiving unemployment insurance gained and those receiving extended benefits decreased.

Orders for durable goods fell 0.6 percent, the biggest drop since August, figures from the Commerce Department showed today in Washington. Bookings for all goods meant to last several years rose 3 percent, more than anticipated and reflecting a jump in commercial aircraft.....Read the entire article.


Secrets of the 52 Week High Rule


Share

Crude Oil Futures Tumble to Six Week Low on Dubai Debt Crisis

Crude oil in New York fell to the lowest level in six weeks as Dubai’s attempt to reschedule its debt bolstered the dollar and prompted investors to sell commodities.
Oil dropped as much as 7.1 percent as the U.S. currency climbed, dulling the appeal of raw materials as an alternative investment, and equities tumbled. Dubai World, the government investment company burdened by $59 billion of liabilities, sought to delay repayments, raising concern that worsening defaults may hold back the global recovery.

“The situation in Dubai revives worries about the recovery of the economy,” said Adam Sieminski, chief energy economist at Deutsche Bank AG in Washington. “The strength of the recovery has an obvious and immediate impact on both oil demand and prices.” Crude oil for January delivery declined $2.28, or 2.9 percent, to $75.68 a barrel at 12:09 p.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Futures touched $72.39, the lowest since Oct. 12. On a closing basis the market is heading for the biggest drop since Nov. 12. New York oil futures didn’t settle yesterday because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Floor trading and electronic trading will end at 1:45 p.m. today, instead of the normal closures at 2:30 and 5:15 p.m......Read the entire article.

Share