Crude Oil Price Update – Reaction to $32.77 Pivot Sets the Tone into the Close; EIA Says Crude Stocks Rose

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures are trading marginally lower at the mid-session on Thursday following the release of government report that showed a surprise increase in U.S. crude stocks, which offset hopes for a demand recovery as coronavirus lockdowns ease.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. stockpiles rose by 7.9 million barrels the week-ending May 22. Analysts had been expecting a draw of 2.5 million barrels although analysts at FactSet were predicting a 1.3 million barrel draw.

At 14:40 GMT, July WTI crude oil is trading $32.73, down $0.08 or -0.24%.

The market is actually clawing back earlier losses that pushed prices into an intraday low of $31.14. This move was fueled by a surprise build in Wednesday afternoon’s American Petroleum Institute (API) weekly inventories report.

Also weighing on prices was uncertainty about Russia’s commitment to continuing deep output cuts ahead of a June 9 meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+.

Daily Swing Chart Technical Analysis

The main trend is down according to the daily swing chart, however, momentum is trending higher. A trade through the main tops at $34.81 and $351.8 will change the main trend to up.

The minor trend is up. This is controlling the momentum. A trade through $30.72 will change the minor trend to down. This will shift momentum to the downside.

The main range is $54.86 to $17.27. Its retracement zone at $36.07 to $40.50 is the primary upside target and potential resistance zone.

The minor range is $30.72 to $34.81. Its 50% level at $32.77 should act like a pivot. It is providing resistance early Thursday.

The short-term range is $17.27 to $34.81. If the momentum shifts to the downside then its retracement zone at $26.04 to $23.97 will become the primary downside target area.

Daily Swing Chart Technical Forecast

Based on the early price action and the current price at $32.73, the direction of the July WTI futures contract the rest of the session on Thursday is likely to be determined by trader reaction to $32.77.

Bearish Scenario

A sustained move under $32.77 will indicate the presence of sellers. If this move creates enough downside momentum then look for a test of the minor bottom at $30.72. This is a potential trigger point for an acceleration to the downside.

Bullish Scenario

A sustained move over $32.77 will signal the presence of buyers. This could lead to a quick test of $32.98, followed by $34.81.