Oil News: Crude Oil Eyes Break Above 200-Day MA—Can Bulls Regain Control?

200-Day Moving Average Caps Light Crude Rebound

Light crude oil futures are under modest pressure Friday, pulling back after testing key resistance at the 200-day moving average ($64.06). The inability to break decisively above this level suggests the recent bounce is driven more by short-covering than fresh buying interest.

Price action remains technically fragile, with upside targets near the long-term pivot at $65.38 and the 50-day moving average at $65.70. A decisive push through the 50-day MA would indicate stronger buyer conviction.

On the downside, continued rejection at the 200-day MA raises the risk of a retest and potential breakdown through this week’s low of $61.94. A close below that level could accelerate losses toward the next major support zone at $56.91.

At 14:02 GMT, Light crude oil futures are trading $63.18, down $0.78 or -1.22%.

Trump-Putin Talks Stir Caution Ahead of Possible Russia Sanctions Relief

Traders are closely monitoring Friday’s high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. A potential ceasefire deal in Ukraine could pave the way for easing Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. Trump has floated the idea of lifting penalties if peace progress is made but warned of secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian crude should talks fail.

Markets remain on edge as any de-escalation could lead to a pickup in Russian oil supply. UBS commodities analyst Giovanni Staunovo said the key question for traders is “escalation or de-escalation,” with supply implications hanging in the balance. Brent is poised for a weekly gain of 0.4%, while WTI is on track for a 0.7% decline.

Weak China Data Undermines Demand Outlook Despite Refinery Throughput Rise

Economic data out of China further weighed on oil sentiment. Factory output growth in July hit an eight-month low, while retail sales growth slowed to its weakest since December. Despite an 8.9% year-on-year rise in refinery throughput, the month-over-month decline and rise in oil product exports suggest softening domestic fuel demand in the world’s second-largest crude consumer.

OPEC+ Supply Growth and Fed Policy Cloud Oil Prices Forecast

Forecasts of a deepening oil market surplus also pressured sentiment. Bank of America now projects an average oversupply of 890,000 barrels per day from July 2025 through June 2026, driven by rising output from OPEC+ producers. These projections align with recent IEA warnings that the market is becoming “bloated” following production increases.

Meanwhile, the prospect of persistently high U.S. interest rates continues to challenge risk appetite, adding a macro drag on crude.

Bearish Oil Prices Forecast as Supply Overhang and Geopolitical Risks Dominate

With crude failing to clear key resistance and bearish supply and demand signals building, the near-term oil prices forecast tilts bearish. Traders will remain focused on outcomes from the Trump-Putin summit and evolving supply data for cues on deeper price direction.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.