DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Japan considering extending gasoline subsidies to year-end - sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Gasoline fuel guns are pictured in front of fuel boards at a gasoline station in Tokyo, Japan September 20, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTOKYO, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Japan's government is considering extending until year-end fuel subsidies to keep gasoline prices below 180 yen a litre, while working on a supplementary budget to finance broader measures, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Earlier, the sources had said the fuel subsidies would be funded by the supplementary budget. Last week, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed ruling party officials to consider steps to extend the fuel subsidies which were introduced in January 2022 to help ease cost of living pressures. Gasoline prices have been rising steadily in Japan due to the weaker yen and higher global prices.

Persons: Kim Kyung, Komeito, Toshimitsu Motegi, Shunichi Suzuki, Fumio Kishida, Yoshifumi Takemoto, Tetsushi Kajimoto, Katya Golubkova, Muralikumar Anantharaman Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Liberal Democratic Party, Finance, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan

☆ Explainer: More nuclear challenges await Japan after Fukushima water release
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Kiyoshi Takenaka | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Activists attend a protest against Japan's plan to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, at the national assembly in Seoul, South Korea, August 24, 2023. MOLTEN FUEL REMOVALTepco has described the effort to remove highly radioactive fuel debris from reactor cores as an "unprecedented and difficult challenge never attempted anywhere in the world". That was the worst nuclear plant accident before the 1986 Chornobyl tragedy in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. About 12.1 trillion yen had been spent on such activities by March 2022, Japan's audit panel, which reviews government expenditures, has said. That represents an expenditure of more than half of the government's estimate, even before really tough tasks such as fuel debris retrieval have begun, in turns raising concerns about cost overruns.

Persons: Kim Hong, Kiyoshi Takenaka, Katya Golubkova, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Tokyo Electric Power Co, Tepco, U.S, Japan, Japan Center for Economic Research, Thomson Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Japan, Pennsylvania, Ukraine, Soviet Union, Fukushima

Brent crude was down 36 cents at $84.10 a barrel by 11:45 a.m. EDT (1545 GMT). China, the world's second-largest economy, is considered crucial to shoring up oil demand over the rest of the year. Amplifying demand concerns, U.S. central bank officials have not ruled out further interest rate hikes to contain inflation. A preliminary Reuters poll showed that crude oil and gasoline inventories were expected to have fallen last week, with data from American Petroleum Institute due later on Tuesday. Separately on Monday, Shell (SHEL.L) said it was investigating a possible leak on the 180,000 bpd Trans Niger oil pipeline, though no force majeure has been declared.

Persons: Lucy Nicholson, Brent, Jim Ritterbusch, majeure, Natalie Grover, Paul Carsten, Muyu Xu, Katya Golubkova, Tomasz Janowski, David Evans, David Goodman, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Companies Shell, West Texas Intermediate, Saudi, Ritterbusch, Associates, American Petroleum Institute, of Commerce, Shell, Thomson Locations: Bakersfield , California, China, Russian, Galena , Illinois, U.S, Iraqi, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi, Niger, London, Singapore, Tokyo

☆ Oil dips on possible easing of tight supply, China woes hurt demand outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Crude oil struggled to keep its head above water on signs of supply tightness easing," said Brian Martin and Daniel Hynes, analysts from ANZ Bank in a note to clients. Iraq's oil minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani arrived in the Turkish capital Ankara to discuss several issues including the resumption of oil exports through the Ceyhan oil terminal, a source in the minister's office told Reuters on Monday. Meanwhile, gloom over the economic outlook in China, the world's second biggest oil consumer, continued to pressure oil prices and heighten worries about fuel demand. Putting a floor to oil prices, U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventories were expected to have fallen last week, a preliminary Reuters poll showed, as the American Petroleum Institute industry group is due to release data later on Tuesday. U.S. economic data over recent weeks has bolstered expectations for the Fed to keep rates higher for longer, putting a dampener on the demand outlook for oil and a broad range of consumer goods.

Persons: Lucy Nicholson, Brent, Brian Martin, Daniel Hynes, Hayan Abdel, Ghani, Muyu Xu, Katya Golubkova, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, . West Texas, ANZ Bank, Reuters, International Chamber of Commerce, of, Petroleum, Eurasia Group, American Petroleum Institute, Energy Information Administration, U.S . Department of Energy, PMI, Federal, Jackson, Fed, Thomson Locations: Bakersfield , California, OPEC, Turkish, Ankara, Turkey, Iraq, China, Beijing, Eurasia, Singapore, Tokyo

☆ Explainer: The Fukushima water release plan
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan August 22, 2023, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Water containing tritium is routinely released from nuclear plants around the world, and regulatory authorities support dealing with the Fukushima water in this way. When ingested at levels above those in the released water it can raise cancer risks, a Scientific American article said in 2014. SAFETYJapan and scientific organisations say the released water is safe, but environmental activists argue that all the possible impacts have not been studied. The latest import restrictions were imposed in July after the IAEA approved Japan's plans to discharge the treated water.

Persons: Masanobu Sakamoto, Katya Golubkova Organizations: Kyodo, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Tanks, Electric Power Company, Tepco, International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Greenpeace, World Health Organization, South, National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, Tokyo, Thomson Locations: Okuma, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, Fukushima, China

An aerial view shows a crude oil tanker at an oil terminal off Waidiao island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China January 4, 2023. Weekly products supplied, a proxy for demand, rose to the highest since December. Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs, which could slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. On a bullish note, China made a rare draw on crude oil inventories in July, the first time in 33 months it has dipped into storage. Data released on Wednesday showed that U.S. crude oil inventories fell by nearly 6 million barrels last week on strong exports and refining run rates.

Persons: Dennis Kissler, Naeem Aslam, OANDA's Moya, Arathy Somasekhar, Natalie Grover, Katya Golubkova, David Goodman, Christina Fincher, David Gregorio Our Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Brent, . West Texas, BOK Financial, Travel, Energy, Zaye, Markets, Thomson Locations: Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, Independence, U.S, China's, Houston, London, Singapore

☆ Oil edges up as China seeks to calm economic fears
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

An aerial view shows a crude oil tanker at an oil terminal off Waidiao island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China January 4, 2023. China Daily via REUTERS/file photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Oil prices crept up on Thursday after China's central bank sought to stem the rising tide of pessimism over the country's property market and wider economy. Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which could slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. On a more bullish note, China made a rare draw on crude oil inventories in July, the first time in 33 months that it had dipped into storage. Data released on Wednesday showed that U.S. crude oil inventories fell by nearly 6 million barrels last week on strong exports and refining run rates.

Persons: Naeem Aslam, Edward Moya, John Evans, OANDA's Moya, Natalie Grover, Katya Golubkova, David Goodman Organizations: REUTERS, Brent, . West Texas, Zaye, U.S, U.S . Federal, Thomson Locations: Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, U.S .

An aerial view shows a crude oil tanker at an oil terminal off Waidiao island in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China January 4, 2023. Brent crude futures were up 8 cents, or 0.1%, at $83.53 a barrel by 0245 GMT, after initially falling 0.5%. Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which could slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. "Crude prices are going to struggle here as we have bearish sentiment in the world's two largest economies," said Edward Moya, an analyst at OANDA. Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Editing by Sonali Paul and Muralikumar AnantharamanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Tina Teng, Teng, Edward Moya, Katya Golubkova, Sonali Paul, Muralikumar Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Brent, U.S . West Texas, CMC Markets, Traders, U.S, U.S . Federal, OANDA, Thomson Locations: Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, U.S, OPEC, China's, U.S .

☆ Oil slips as China sours sentiment
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A VLCC oil tanker is seen at a crude oil terminal in Ningbo Zhoushan port, Zhejiang province, China May 16, 2017. In a surprise move, China's central bank marginally cut key interest rates on Tuesday, after a broad array of data highlighted intensifying pressure on the economy, mainly from the property sector. There are concerns China may struggle to meet its growth target of about 5% for the year without more fiscal stimulus. On Tuesday, Barclays cut its forecast for China's 2023 gross domestic product growth to 4.5%, citing a faster-than-expected deterioration in the housing market. Still, sentiment on China is souring, added PVM's Evans.

Persons: Stringer, galvanise, John Evans, refiners, PVM's Evans, Natalie Grover, Muyu Xu, Katya Golubkova, Tom Hogue, Jason Neely, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: REUTERS, Garden Holdings, Brent, . West Texas, of, Petroleum, Tuesday, Barclays, Thomson Locations: Ningbo Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, OPEC

☆ Oil edges up as China cuts policy rates to support economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A VLCC oil tanker is seen at a crude oil terminal in Ningbo Zhoushan port, Zhejiang province, China May 16, 2017. Prices turned higher after the People's Bank of China (PBOC) lowered the rate on 401 billion yuan ($55.3 billion) in one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans to some financial institutions by 15 basis points to 2.5%. Despite the weak macroeconomic data, China's oil appetite showed resilience. The declining U.S. output could exacerbate global oil supply tightness as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, cut production. Reporting by Muyu Xu and Katya Golubkova; Editing by Sonali Paul and Tom HogueOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Stringer, Robert Carnell, refiners, Muyu Xu, Katya Golubkova, Sonali Paul, Tom Hogue Organizations: REUTERS, Garden Holdings, SINGAPORE, Brent, . West Texas, People's Bank of China, ING Bank, Energy, of, Petroleum, Thomson Locations: Ningbo Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, Beijing, Asia Pacific, OPEC

☆ Oil steadies as China data sours sentiment
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A VLCC oil tanker is seen at a crude oil terminal in Ningbo Zhoushan port, Zhejiang province, China May 16, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer /File PhotoCompanies Country Garden Holdings Co Ltd FollowLONDON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Oil prices stabilised on Tuesday as sluggish Chinese economic figures were countered by Beijing unexpectedly cutting key policy rates for the second time in three months. China's industrial output and retail sales data on Tuesday showed the economy slowed further last month, intensifying pressure on already faltering growth and prompting authorities to cut key policy rates to shore up activity. In an effort to shore up support, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) lowered the rate on 401 billion yuan ($55.3 billion) in one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans to some financial institutions by 15 basis points to 2.5%. Still, sentiment on China is souring, added PVM's Evans.

Persons: Stringer, galvanise, John Evans, Robert Carnell, refiners, PVM's Evans, Natalie Grover, Muyu Xu, Katya Golubkova, Tom Hogue, Jason Neely Organizations: REUTERS, Garden Holdings, Brent, . West Texas, of, Petroleum, People's Bank of China, ING Bank, Thomson Locations: Ningbo Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, China, Beijing, Saudi Arabia, Russia, OPEC, Asia Pacific

☆ Oil perched between demand concerns and supply strains
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, July 19 (Reuters) - Global oil prices were little changed on Wednesday as markets weighed U.S. demand concerns against China's pledge to support economic growth. Brent futures were flat at $79.63 a barrel by 0800 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude edged 10 cents lower to $75.65 per barrel. "With the Fed likely to raise interest rates for the last time in July, concerns about U.S. demand that will limit oil price gains are likely to remain," said CMC Markets analyst Leon Li. However, on the positive front, China's top economic planner pledged on Tuesday it would roll out policies to "restore and expand" consumption in the world's second-largest economy, which could boost oil demand. On the supply side, data from the American Petroleum Institute (API), an industry group, showed crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories all fell last week.

Persons: China's, Brent, Leon Li, Claudio Galimberti, John Evans, Natalie Grover, Katya Golubkova, Trixie Yap, Jamie Freed, David Holmes Organizations: U.S, West Texas, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: China, Europe, America, Russia, London, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ Oil prices up on China economic support pledge, tighter supply
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Katya Golubkova | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TOKYO, July 19 (Reuters) - Global oil prices rose on Wednesday, boosted by China's pledge to support economic growth, tighter supply from Russia and on lower weekly U.S. crude oil inventories. "Crude oil gained amid signs of further tightening across the market. Russia appears to be making good on its promise to reduce supply," ANZ Research said in a client note on Wednesday. U.S. crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories all fell last week, according to market sources citing figures by American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, on Tuesday, with crude stocks down by about 800,000 barrels. The market is expecting the weekly inventory report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration later on Wednesday which is expected to show further a drawdown in U.S. crude oil inventories, providing some more support to prices, ANZ's note added.

Persons: China's, Brent, Katya Golubkova, Lincoln Organizations: U.S, West Texas, ANZ Research, American Petroleum Institute, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, Russia, .

☆ Toshiba, General Electric to build offshore wind equipment supply chain in Japan-Nikkei
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TOKYO, July 15 (Reuters) - Japan's Toshiba (6502.T) plans to establish a domestic supply chain for offshore wind power equipment together with U.S. manufacturer General Electric (GE.N), Nikkei reported on Saturday, as Japan is expanding in renewable energy in a zero-carbon push. Japan's offshore wind power market is set to grow as the government aims to install up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2030, and up to 45 GW by 2040, as part of its decarbonisation push. Last month, the government finished accepting bids for the second round of offshore wind power tenders to build 1.8 GW of capacity in four areas, with results yet to be announced. According to Nikkei, the equipment supply chain would involve around 100 small and medium-sized companies with focus on the areas where offshore wind capacity should be installed. In 2021, Toshiba and GE announced a strategic partnership to localise GE's Haliade-X offshore wind turbines manufacturing in Japan, as the U.S. company wants its technology to be as competitive as possible in Japan's offshore wind auctions.

Persons: localise GE's, Katya Golubkova, Michael Perry Organizations: Toshiba, Nikkei, Mitsubishi, GE, U.S ., Japan Wind Power Association, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, Japan, U.S

☆ Japan, Saudi Arabia set to agree on rare earth resources joint development - Nikkei
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TOKYO, July 15 (Reuters) - Japan and Saudi Arabia are expected to agree on joint investment to develop rare earth resources during Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to the Middle East starting Sunday, Nikkei reported. Kishida plans to visit oil producers Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, as well as liquefied natural gas producer Qatar - the three major energy suppliers to resources-poor Japan - on July 16-18. Rare earth resources are essential for decarbonisation and production of electric vehicles in particular as Japan aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050 and Saudi Arabia is also actively trying to diversify its oil-reliant economy. According to Nikkei on Saturday, Kishida and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are set to agree on rare earth resources cooperation on Sunday to jointly explore development projects in other countries. Japan will also help to speed-up development of resources currently being explored in Saudi Arabia and namely copper, iron and zinc, Nikkei added.

Persons: Fumio Kishida's, Kishida, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Katya Golubkova, Michael Perry Organizations: East, Nikkei, United, Saudi Crown, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kishida

Brent crude futures fell $1.31, or 1.7%, to $80.05 a barrel by 11:18 a.m. EDT (1518 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell $1.34, or 1.7%, to $75.55 a barrel. A stronger greenback reduces oil demand, making crude more expensive for investors holding other currencies. Oil prices remained on course for a weekly gain of more than 2%, after supply disruptions in Libya and Nigeria heightened concerns that the markets will tighten in coming months. Separately, Shell suspended loadings of Nigeria's Forcados crude oil owing to a potential leak at a terminal.

Persons: Brent, Dollar, John Kilduff, John Evans, Shariq Khan, Natalie Grover, Sudarshan, Katya Golubkova, David Evans, Mark Potter, Louise Heavens, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, Again, U.S, Shell, Thomson Locations: BENGALURU, Libya, Nigeria, Bengaluru, London, Singapore, Tokyo

☆ Brent oil hovers above $81 after supply disruptions
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

On Thursday some oilfields in Libya were shut down because of a local tribe's protest against the kidnapping of a former minister. Separately, Shell suspended loadings of Nigeria's Forcados crude oil owing to a potential leak at a terminal. With the "market in thrall of a ‘tightening’ narrative", any more outages will push the oil price to levels that not even the most ardent bull would have predicted for the second half of the year, Evans added. Both Brent and WTI futures were down slightly at 1207 GMT, with Brent 9 cents lower at $81.27 a barrel and WTI down 11 cents at $76.78. Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's biggest oil exporters, this month agreed to deepen oil cuts in place since November last year, providing further support to crude prices.

Persons: John Evans, thrall, Evans, Brent, Craig Erlam, Natalie Grover, Sudarshan Varadhan, Katya Golubkova, David Evans, Mark Potter Organizations: Shell, Brent, International Energy Agency, Organization of, Petroleum, National Australia Bank, U.S ., U.S . Federal, OANDA, Thomson Locations: Libya, Nigeria, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, London, Singapore, Tokyo

Both Brent crude futures and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures , were trading slightly lower. Separately, Shell has suspended loadings of Nigeria's Forcados crude oil due to a potential leak at a terminal. Protests in Libya alone could take away more than 250,000 barrels of oil per day from the market, ANZ Research said. Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's biggest oil exporters, agreed this month to deepen oil cuts in place since November last year, providing further support to crude prices. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Thursday upgraded its oil demand forecast for 2023, adding it expected demand to grow 2.2% in 2024.

Persons: Brent, Edward Moya, Sudarshan Varadhan, Katya Golubkova, Jamie Freed, Muralikumar Anantharaman, Kim Coghill Organizations: Shell, Brent, . West Texas, ANZ Research, OANDA, of, Petroleum, National Australia Bank, U.S ., U.S . Federal, Thomson Locations: Libya, Nigeria, SINGAPORE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, TOKYO

Separately, Shell has suspended loadings of Nigeria's Forcados crude oil due to a potential leak at a terminal. Protests in Libya alone could take away more than 250,000 barrels of oil per day from the market, ANZ Research said. Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's biggest oil exporters, agreed this month to deepen oil cuts in place since November last year, providing further support to crude prices. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Thursday upgraded its oil demand forecast for 2023, adding it expected demand to grow 2.2% in 2024. U.S. consumer prices rose modestly in June at the smallest annual increase rate in more than two years as inflation continued to subside.

Persons: Edward Moya, Katya Golubkova, Jamie Freed, Muralikumar Organizations: Shell, Brent, . West Texas, ANZ Research, OANDA, of, Petroleum, National Bank of Australia, U.S ., U.S . Federal, Thomson Locations: Libya, Nigeria, SINGAPORE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, TOKYO

The Fed's fight to lower inflation "has a long way to go" Powell said on Wednesday in testimony prepared for delivery to the House Financial Services Committee. Providing some support for prices earlier, analysts polled by Reuters said they expected U.S. crude oil and product inventories to have declined last week. However, an expanded poll now predicts a small build in crude oil stockpiles. Official U.S. oil inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute will be released later on Wednesday and the Energy Information Administration's report will follow on Thursday. Price gains were also capped as British inflation defied expectations of a slowdown, data showed on Wednesday.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Brent, Powell, Price, Craig Erlam, Shariq Khan, Rowena Edwards, Katya Golubkova, Trixie Yap, Emelia Sithole, David Goodman, Chris Reese Organizations: . West Texas, Financial Services Committee, Analysts, Reuters, American Petroleum Institute, Energy, Bank of England, OANDA, Thomson Locations: BENGALURU, U.S

☆ Oil holds steady ahead of Powell's congressional testimony
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Rowena Edwards | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, June 21 (Reuters) - Oil prices stabilised on Wednesday ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's congressional testimony later in the day and as data showing British inflation remained sticky raised the possibility of a hawkish Bank of England policy decision this week. The main market focus is on Fed officials due to speak later in the day, with Chair Powell's congressional testimony on the economy on Wednesday and Thursday the highlight. However, should Powell prompt a hawkish return of rate cut expectations, the U.S. dollar could see some support, ING strategist Francesco Pesole said in a note. A stronger U.S. dollar is bearish for oil as it makes commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies. Oil prices drew some support from a possible drawdown in U.S. crude stocks, with Reuters poll among five analysts estimating that crude stockpiles fell by about 400,000 barrels on average in the week to June 16.

Persons: Jerome, Brent, Craig Erlam, Powell, Francesco Pesole, Rowena Edwards, Katya Golubkova, Trixie Yap, Emelia Sithole, Louise Heavens Organizations: Federal, hawkish Bank of, . West Texas, Bank of England, U.S, ING, Reuters, American Petroleum Institute, Energy, Administration, Thomson Locations: bank's Washington, U.S, Tokyo, Singapore

June 21 (Reuters) - Oil prices rebounded early on Wednesday, recovering after two straight sessions of losses, as expectations of hawkish Fed talk later in the afternoon and possible U.S. crude stock draws in outweighed China demand worries. Concerns about demand recovery in China, the world's top oil importer, limited price gains as its economy struggles. "The only reason why I think prices are not climbing (steadily) yet is because the data from China is still unclear. "As for the Fed (meeting), that is also uncertain but with latest inflation data coming in a 4%, they have room to be dovish," Galimberti added. Looking to boost growth, China on Tuesday cut its benchmark loan prime rates (LPR) for the first time in 10 months, with a smaller-than-expected 10-basis-point reduction in the five-year LPR.

Persons: Brent, Powell, Jerome Powell, Claudio Galimberti, Galimberti, Katya Golubkova, Trixie Yap, Sonali Paul, Kim Coghill Organizations: Fed, . West Texas, ANZ Research, Market Committee, U.S . Federal, Federal Reserve, Reuters, American Petroleum Institute, Energy, Administration, Thomson Locations: China, Washington, U.S, Tokyo, Singapore

NEW YORK, June 20 (Reuters) - Oil futures fell about 2% in choppy trading on Tuesday on forecasts for slower growth of oil demand in China, the world's second-biggest oil consumer, and disappointment with the size of cuts in China's key lending rates. "Oil traders may need to see a materialised strong economic rebound in China to improve their outlook on oil demand," said Tina Teng at CMC Markets in Auckland. Higher interest rates ultimately increase borrowing costs for consumers, which could reduce oil demand by slowing economic growth. A stronger dollar makes crude more expensive for holders of other currencies, which can reduce oil demand. On the supply side, Iran's crude exports and oil output have hit new highs this year despite U.S. sanctions.

Persons: Brent, Edward Moya, Tina Teng, Thomas Barkin, Scott DiSavino, Noah Browning, Katya Golubkova, Andrew Hayley, David Goodman, Matthew Lewis Organizations: YORK, . West Texas, CMC Markets, China, Administration, Customs, . Federal Reserve, Richmond Fed, U.S ., Organization of, Petroleum, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Auckland, Russia, New York, London, Tokyo, Beijing

☆ Oil rises as Chinese economic indicators offer mixed picture
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Noah Browning | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for July was down 3 cents from Friday's close at $71.75. The more active WTI crude contract for August delivery was up 10 cents from Friday at $72.03 per barrel. There was no settlement in the WTI contract on Monday due to a public holiday in the United States. "Oil traders may need to see a materialised strong economic rebound in China to improve their outlook on oil demand," said Tina Teng, a markets analyst at CMC Markets in Auckland. Higher interest rates reduce appetite for spending and can drive down oil demand.

Persons: Brent, Tina Teng, Katya Golubkova, Andrew Hayley, Kim Coghill, Jason Neely, Louise Heavens Organizations: . West Texas, CMC Markets, China National Petroleum, Organization of, Petroleum, Thomson Locations: China, United States, Auckland, Russia, Moscow, Tokyo, Beijing

TOKYO/BEIJING, June 20 (Reuters) - Oil prices slipped on Tuesday after China cut benchmark lending rates less than some expected, sowing further concern over the oil demand outlook in the world's largest crude importer. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for July was down 99 cents from Friday's close at $70.79. The more active WTI crude contract for August delivery was down 71 cents from Friday at $71.22 per barrel. "The rate cuts ... were widely expected, hence it did not offer a bullish push to the oil markets," said Tina Teng, a markets analyst at CMC Markets in Auckland. "Oil traders may need to see a materialized strong economic rebound in China to improve their outlook on oil demand," Teng said.

Persons: Brent, Tina Teng, Teng, Jerome Powell, Katya Golubkova, Andrew Hayley, Jamie Freed, Tom Hogue Organizations: . West Texas, CMC Markets, European Central Bank, . Federal, Organization of, Petroleum, OPEC, JPMorgan, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, BEIJING, China, United States, Auckland, Russia, Moscow, OPEC, Nigeria, Iran, Venezuela, Tokyo, Beijing

Search resuls for: "Katya Golubkova"

25 mentions found