Oil prices remained relatively stable on Thursday, with Brent crude futures settling unchanged at $82.96 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures closing 20 cents lower at $78.93.
According to Reuters, the market's assessment of new economic data from China and the growing oil supply from North America influenced the day's prices.
Oil Prices Remain Relatively Flat
China's import and export growth in January and February exceeded expectations, giving policymakers hope that global trade is improving amid ongoing efforts to bolster economic recovery.
However, despite a 5.1% increase in crude imports during the first two months of the year compared to last year, China's overall imports have been declining, reflecting a trend of reducing purchases.
Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho, told Reuters that while Chinese crude imports grew, the numbers were still "down substantially" due to their reluctance to pay full price for barrels, failing to impress the market.
Global Oil Market Is Relatively Well Supplied
The head of the International Energy Agency's (IEA) oil markets and industry division told Reuters that the global oil market is relatively well supplied, with demand growth slowing down and supplies increasing from the Western Hemisphere.
A Reuters poll of foreign exchange strategists shows the markets were bracing for the possibility that the Federal Reserve could delay its first US interest rate cut to the second half of the year, boosting the dollar.
It follows remarks by Fed Chair Jerome Powell that the central bank still expects to lower its benchmark interest rate this year. A strong greenback makes dollar-denominated oil more expensive for buyers with other currencies.
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