Oil prices fell in early trade on Thursday after U.S. employment and business activity data came in weaker than expected, in signs the economy may be cooling in the world's top oil consuming nation.
Separately, the ADP Employment report showed private payrolls increased by 150,000 jobs in June, below a consensus predicting an increase of 160,000, and after rising by 157,000 in May.
However, weaker economic data may add to the Federal Reserve's arguments to start cutting rates, analysts said, a move that would be supportive for the oil markets as lower rates could boost demand.
"The direction of recent data conforms to the Fed's easing bias," ANZ Research analysts said in a note.
"A slowdown in growth momentum will support disinflationary impulses in coming months, paving the way for the Fed to cut rates."
Organizations:
Brent, U.S, West Texas, ADP, ISM, ANZ Research, Fed
Locations:
United States