Brent Crude Breakout Awaits Fundamental Catalyst

BRENT CRUDE OIL (LCOc1) ANALYSIS

• Surging dollar adds to crude oil headwinds.
• API data surprise a precursor to EIA later today?
• Sanctions from U.S. and allies help prop up oil prices.
• Chinese PMI and lockdowns hurting demand-side forecasts.
• Triangle breakout imminent.

CRUDE OIL FUNDAMENTAL BACKDROP

Brent crude slipped yesterday on the back of a surprise increase in weekly crude oil stockpiles via the API print while the Fed’s Brainard stated the commencement of swift balance sheet reduction, resulting in dollar upside (traditionally an inverse correlation with oil).

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The upcoming EIA inventory report (14:30GMT) will be in the spotlight particularly if actual data follows the surprise API release.

CRUDE OIL ECONOMIC CALENDAR

Source: DailyFX Economic Calendar

In addition to the aforementioned supply-side headwinds, China’s lockdowns and COVID-19 cases are rising thus easing demand for crude from one of the worlds major importers. The Caixin Composite PMI print for March earlier this morning reinforced the lockdown situation with a drop to 43.9 from 50.1 prior.

Further sanctions on Russia from the U.S. and other allied nations have given some backing to crude oil as tight supply may ensue should imports of Russian oil and gas be decreased further. Details around the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) coordinated release are still being mulled over leaving oil markets in limbo reflected by brent crude’s price action.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

BRENT CRUDE (LCOc1)DAILY CHART

Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG

The daily brent crude chart trades at a critical juncture at the apex of the medium-term symmetrical triangle formation (black). Sandwiched between the $100 and $109.03 (23.6% Fibonacci), a breakout either side is possible. I will be looking for a daily candle confirmation close to sanction a breakout but with fundamentals fluctuating constantly a false breakout should not be written off.

Key resistance levels:

• $120.50
• $109.03/20-day EMA (purple)
• Triangle resistance (black)

Key support levels:

• Triangle support/50-day EMA (blue)
• $100
• 100-day EMA (yellow)

IG CLIENT SENTIMENT POINTS TO SHORT-TERM DOWNSIDE

IGCS shows retail traders are marginally NET LONG on Crude Oil, with 59% of traders currently holding long positions (as of this writing). At DailyFX we typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment resulting in a bearish disposition.

Contact and follow Warren on Twitter: @WVenketas