Crude Oil Prices Rise On Hopes For OPEC Output Cuts Extension

Crude oil prices rose to the highest level since mid-2015 amid speculation that OPEC will extend a cartel-led production cut scheme at its upcoming meeting. Prices briefly dipped as EIA inventories data showed US stockpiles shed 1.86 million barrels last week. The result topped forecasts calling for a 1.43 million barrel outflow but fell substantially short of the hefty 6.3 million barrel draw reported in analogous API data.

Gold prices edged up after minutes from this month’s FOMC meeting hinted at a shallow tightening path in 2018. The document affirmed the likelihood of a widely anticipated rate hike in December, saying many policymakers saw a “near-term” increase as warranted. However, it also showed that many on the committee saw inflation to undershooting the target for relatively longer, which may mean fewer hikes next year.

Gold Technical Analysis – Gold prices remain stuck within a familiar congestion range. A daily close above the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 1297.74 sees the next upside threshold in the 1306.04-9.15 area (October 16 high, 50% level). Alternatively, a drop below the 38.2% Fib expansion at 1269.10 targets the 1257.69-60.80 region (October 6 low, 50% expansion).

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Crude Oil Technical Analysis – Crude oil prices continued to push higher, setting a new high for the year. From here, a daily close above the 38.2% Fibonacci expansion at 59.52 opens the door for a test of the 50% level at 60.98. Alternatively, a turn back below the 23.6% Fib at 57.72 exposes the 56.61-82 area (resistance-turned-support, 14.6% expansion) once more.

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