Oil prices declined in early Asian trading on Monday, undoing Friday’s gains as peace talks in Cairo between Israel and Hamas eased Middle East tensions and U.S. inflation data reduced hopes for near-term interest rate cuts. Potential cease-fire developments had an impact on this subdued market opening by easing geopolitical tensions, which typically drive up oil prices.
High U.S. inflation rates at 2.7% for March, surpassing the Federal Reserve’s target, suggest persistently high interest rates, strengthening the U.S. dollar, and exerting downward pressure on commodity prices, including oil and natural gas.