Ekonomické zprávy
22.04.2025

Oil prices inch up after sell-off, but economic jitters remain

Crude oil prices rose on Tuesday as traders covered short positions following Monday’s steep decline. Brent crude gained 1.27% to $67.11 a barrel, and WTI rose 1.43% to $63.30. The uptick, however, did little to ease broader market concerns.

The recent drop was triggered by growing fears of a global economic slowdown. President Trump's latest attack on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — urging immediate interest rate cuts — rattled investors and raised questions about the Fed’s independence. His remarks fueled market volatility, pushing down U.S. equities, bonds, and the dollar.

At the same time, progress in nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran eased concerns about tight oil supplies, while the return of idle OPEC+ production heightened oversupply risks. Some parts of the Brent futures curve even slipped into contango — a sign the market expects more supply than demand.

Analysts warn that trade tensions and policy uncertainty could continue to dampen oil demand. A Reuters poll showed recession risks in the U.S. nearing 50% over the next year — troubling news given the country’s status as the world’s top oil consumer.

With no clear bullish drivers, crude prices remain vulnerable to further swings as markets await clarity on trade, interest rates, and global demand.

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