Oil prices flat as markets await more economic cues; US inventories shrink

Investing.com-- Oil prices tread water in Asian trade on Wednesday, cooling after recent volatility as focus shifted from easing tensions in the Middle East to more upcoming cues on the U.S. economy and interest rates. 

Industry data showing an unexpected draw in U.S. inventories offered some support to crude prices, as did weakness in the dollar after softer-than-expected U.S. purchasing managers index data. 

Brent oil futures expiring in June steadied at $88.50 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 0.1% to $83.46 a barrel by 20:50 ET (00:50 GMT).

US inventories unexpectedly fall- API

Data from the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday that U.S. oil inventories saw a draw of 3.2 million barrels in the week to April 19, ducking expectations for a build of 1.8 million barrels.

The reading usually heralds a similar trend from official inventory data, which is due later on Wednesday, and indicates some tightening in U.S. markets as the travel-heavy summer season approaches. 

A sustained draw in gasoline inventories in particular indicated that fuel demand in the country remained strong, even as gas prices rose sharply in recent weeks.

But analysts doubt just how high gas prices will rise, given that high gas prices at the pump are a key point of contention for the Biden administration. 

US GDP data, PCE inflation data awaited 

Markets were now awaiting first-quarter gross domestic product data from the U.S., due on Thursday, for more cues on the world’s biggest fuel consumer. 

The reading is also expected to tie into the outlook for U.S. interest rates, given that strength in the economy gives the Federal Reserve more headroom to keep interest rates higher for longer.

This notion was somewhat dented by weaker-than-expected purchasing managers index data for April, which sparked losses in the dollar on Tuesday. A drop in the dollar benefits oil prices, given that they are priced in the greenback.

Weakness in the dollar also helps buoy demand by making oil cheaper for international buyers. 

More cues on U.S. interest rates are also due later in the week, with PCE price index data- the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge- due this Friday. 

Iran-Israel tensions ease 

Oil prices were nursing a sharp drop from near six-month highs over the past week, as growing bets over a de-escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel saw traders largely price out a risk premium from oil markets. 

But the Israel-Hamas war showed little signs of stopping, keeping some risks of Middle Eastern geopolitics still in play for crude markets.