May 31 (Reuters) - Oil prices settled lower on Wednesday, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar and weak data from top oil importer China that fed demand fears.
A stronger dollar makes oil more expensive for buyers holding other currencies.
U.S. data showed job openings unexpectedly rose in April, pointing to persistent strength in the labor market that could push the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in June.
HSBC said stronger oil demand from China and the West from the summer onwards will trigger a supply deficit in the second half.
U.S. crude oil and gasoline stockpiles were seen falling last week, while distillate inventories likely increased, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Tuesday.
Persons:
Brent, Bob Yawger, Goldman Sachs, Stephen Brennock, Rowena Edwards, Trixie Yap, Stephanie Kelly, Yuka Obayashi, David Evans, Emelia, Lisa Shumaker, David Gregorio Our
Organizations:
. West Texas, Senate, Federal Reserve, Mizuho, Traders, Organization of, Petroleum, HSBC, Energy, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson
Locations:
China, U.S, Russia, London, Singapore, New York, Tokyo