Brent crude – Building momentum into resistance

Oil back in the groove?

Oil prices appear to have found a little bullish momentum again in the last few days, with the rallies we’ve seen in equity markets clearly a major factor. Another reported inventory build from API on Tuesday may have taken some of the gloss off the rally, which should make today’s EIA number all the more interesting, but momentum still looks very much with the bulls.

It now faces a big test around notable resistance though, just as momentum is building. Perhaps this is a bullish signal but so far, we’re yet to see a breakout. If price can break above $70 in Brent crude , then $71.50 would be the next notable resistance.

Brent Daily Chart

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In WTI, the notable levels are $63 in terms of resistance, with further resistance above potentially coming around $64.50-65.

WTI Daily Chart

We’ve very much seen oil prices benefit from stronger risk appetite this year and that again appears to be what we’re seeing this week. It also comes at a time when US output is stabilizing, oil rigs are on the decline and OPEC+ remains committed to output cuts. It’s been something of a reluctant rally over the last month or so but it appears to have gathered some momentum this week.

US Oil Production

Source – EIA

US Oil Rig Count

Source – Thomson Reuters Eikon

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Craig Erlam

Craig Erlam

Former Senior Market Analyst, UK & EMEA at OANDA
Based in London, Craig Erlam joined OANDA in 2015 as a market analyst. With many years of experience as a financial market analyst and trader, he focuses on both fundamental and technical analysis while producing macroeconomic commentary.

His views have been published in the Financial Times, Reuters, The Telegraph and the International Business Times, and he also appears as a regular guest commentator on the BBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX Business and SKY News.

Craig holds a full membership to the Society of Technical Analysts and is recognised as a Certified Financial Technician by the International Federation of Technical Analysts.