Published

Oil Prices Drop Again

Oil prices are dropping again over the prospects of higher interest rates in the U.S.
#economics

Share

Oil prices are dropping again over the prospects of higher interest rates in the U.S.

Oil futures fell this morning by 76 cents per barrel to $46.88 for the U.S. benchmark (West Texas Intermediate) and 69 cents to $49.23 for the global benchmark (Brent Crude).

Analysts say the already jittery market is responding to signals on Friday by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen that the central bank is ready to raise its overnight lending rate. The concern is that higher U.S. interest rates could strengthen the dollar against other currencies. That would raise the cost of oil, which is priced in U.S. dollars, for traders working in difference currencies.

Futures have ranged from below $40 per barrel to nearly $49 this month. Prices peaked slightly above $60 last summer and were above $100 in mid-2014. Many analysts doubt oil prices will be able to maintain a price higher than $50 per barrel anytime soon, because that price is likely to bring smaller producers back into the market.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Tariffs on Autos: “No One Wins”

    While talk of tariffs may make the president sound tough and which gives the talking heads on cable something to talk about, the impact of the potential 25 percent tariffs on vehicles imported to the U.S. could have some fairly significant consequences.

  • On Urban Transport, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lamborghini and more

    Why electric pods may be the future of urban transport, the amazing Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lamborghini is a green pioneer, LMC on capacity utilization, an aluminum study gives the nod to. . .aluminum, and why McLaren is working with TUMI.

  • On The German Auto Industry

    A look at several things that are going on in the German auto industry—from new vehicles to stamping to building electric vehicles.

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions