A pump jack at an oil lot connected to the Petroleos del Peru SA Talara refinery in Piura, Peru, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told Reuters on Thursday that U.S. economic growth was likely stronger than suggested by weaker-than-expected quarterly data.
Data showed that economic growth slowed in the first quarter, and prior to Yellen's comments, tremors from an acceleration in inflation had weighed on oil prices as investors calculated that the Federal Reserve would not cut interest rates before September.
Personal consumption expenditures inflation data for March will be released on Friday, closely tracked by the Fed for its 2% target.
Elsewhere, supply concerns as geopolitical tensions continue in the Middle East also buoyed prices early in the session.
Persons:
Janet Yellen, Yellen, Israel
Organizations:
del, del Peru SA Talara, U.S . Treasury, Brent, U.S . West Texas, Reuters, Federal Reserve, Fed
Locations:
del Peru, Piura, Peru, U.S, Gazan