Oil Prices Steady As Market Balances IEA Surplus Forecast With Rate Cut Optimism
Oil Prices Steady As Market Balances IEA Surplus Forecast With Rate Cut Optimism
US inflation data for November showed a modest rise, in line with market expectations, reinforcing speculation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting. Analysts suggest this could bolster economic growth and energy demand.
Oil prices closed nearly flat on Thursday, reflecting mixed sentiments as the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected ample oil supplies while optimism about a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut supported demand expectations.
週四油價收盤幾乎持平，反映出混合情緒，因爲國際能源署（IEA）預計石油供應充足，同時對聯儲局可能減息的樂觀情緒支撐了需求預期。
Brent crude futures edged lower by 11 cents, or 0.15%, to settle at US$73.41 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 27 cents, or 0.38%, to US$70.02 per barrel.
布倫特原油期貨下跌11美分，或0.15%，收於每桶73.41美元，而美國西德克薩斯中質油(WTI)則下跌27美分，或0.38%，至每桶70.02美元。
The IEA slightly raised its oil demand growth forecast for 2025 but maintained that the market would remain well-supplied. In contrast, OPEC cut its demand growth forecast for 2024 for the fifth consecutive month.
國際能源署（IEA）略微上調了2025年的石油需求增長預測，但仍然認爲市場供應充足。相反，石油輸出國組織（OPEC）連續第五個月下調2024年的需求增長預測。
US inflation data for November showed a modest rise, in line with market expectations, reinforcing speculation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting. Analysts suggest this could bolster economic growth and energy demand.
美國11月份的通貨膨脹數據小幅上漲，符合市場預期，進一步強化了對聯儲局即將舉行的會議上減息的猜測。分析師指出，這可能會促進經濟增長和能源需求。
In China, crude imports surged 14% year-on-year in November, marking the first annual increase in seven months. Meanwhile, in the US, gasoline and distillate inventories grew more than anticipated, reflecting resilient demand.
在中國，11月份原油進口同比激增14%，標誌着七個月來的首次年度增長。同時，在美國，汽油和餾分油庫存增長超過預期，反映出需求的韌性。
Tensions in the Middle East also influenced prices. Iran agreed to stricter monitoring of its Fordow nuclear site, easing some geopolitical concerns.
中東的緊張局勢也影響了價格。伊朗同意對其福爾多核設施進行更嚴格的監控，緩解了一些地緣政治擔憂。
Despite slower-than-expected global oil demand growth this month, resilience in key markets like China and expectations of lower US interest rates continue to provide support to oil prices.
儘管本月全球石油需求增長低於預期，但中國等主要市場的韌性以及對美國利率下降的預期仍然對油價提供了支持。
Reuters
路透社
