Oil prices edged up on Friday, heading for a second consecutive weekly gain on easing U.S.-China trade tensions, although the optimism was somewhat offset by higher supply expectations from Iran and OPEC+.
Brent crude futures were up 29 cents, or 0.5%, at $64.82 per barrel at 1054 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.4%, to $61.89.
Both contracts fell more than 2% in the previous session on the prospect of an Iranian nuclear deal, which could result in more barrels being released onto the global market.
"The enthusiasm resulting from progress in relations between the U.S. and China allowed the oil price to recover," said Harry Tchiliguirian, group head of research at Onyx Capital Group.
"But OPEC+ accelerates the unwinding of its voluntary supply cuts and the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are still ongoing, keeping the barrels of the latter still flowing to China."
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. was nearing a nuclear deal with Iran, with Tehran "sort of" agreeing to its terms. However, a source familiar with the talks said there were still issues to resolve.
ING analysts wrote in a note that a nuclear deal lifting sanctions would allow Iran to increase oil output, resulting in additional supply of around 400,000 barrels per day.
Despite the potential supply pressure, both Brent and WTI are up around 1.5% so far this week.
Sentiment was boosted when the U.S. and China, the world's two biggest oil consumers and economies, agreed to a 90-day pause on their trade war during which both sides would sharply lower trade duties.
The hefty reciprocal tariffs had raised fears of a sharp blow to global growth and oil demand.
Analysts at BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, said in a research report, however, that "while the 90-day cooling off period leaves the door open for additional progress on lowering trade barriers on both sides, the uncertainty on longer-term trade policy will limit price upside."
Adding to market concerns was an expected surplus.
The International Energy Agency on Thursday hiked its 2025 global supply growth forecast by 380,000 bpd and projected a surplus for next year, despite a minor upward revision of its 2025 global oil demand forecast by 20,000 bpd.
Investors were also watching for signs of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which could bolster the economy and oil demand.
Source: Reuters
Oil prices weakened on Friday (July 25th) and closed at a three-week low as traders worried about negative economic news from the US and China and signs of increasing supply. The losses were limited ...
Oil prices weakened on Friday due to negative economic news from the United States and China and signs of rising supply, despite optimism that a U.S. trade deal could boost global economic growth and ...
Oil was steady on optimism over US trade talks ahead of a key deadline next week, and as tightness in diesel markets boosts sentiment. Brent crude was above $69 a barrel after adding 1% on Thurs...
Oil prices were stable on Friday, as trade talk optimism supported the outlook for both the global economy and oil demand, balancing news of the potential for more oil supply from Venezuela. Brent cr...
Oil prices rose on Friday as trade talk optimism supported the outlook for both the global economy and oil demand, outweighing news of the potential for more oil supply from Venezuela. Brent crude fu...
The S&P 500 rose 0.4% on Friday (July 25), notching its fifth consecutive record close—its longest streak in more than a year—while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.2% after hitting an intraday high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 208 points as...
Oil prices weakened on Friday (July 25th) and closed at a three-week low as traders worried about negative economic news from the US and China and signs of increasing supply. The losses were limited by optimism that a US trade deal could boost...
Gold prices weakened on Friday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar and signs of progress in U.S.-EU trade negotiations, which have dampened demand for safe-haven assets. Spot gold fell 0.9% to $3,336.01 an ounce at 2:01 PM ET (18:01 GMT). U.S....
European stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday (July 23), halting three previous trading sessions' declines, buoyed by speculation that the US...
Equities in Indonesia rose 64 points, or 0.9%, to 7,555 around noon on Thursday, gaining for a second straight session and supported primarily by...
The European Central Bank (ECB) is on track to leave its key interest rates unchanged after its July policy meeting, after having reduced rates at...
The U.S. Federal Reserve's independence is under threat from mounting political interference, according to a clear majority of economists polled by...