Energy
Slump in oil prices curbs Malaysia’s growth forecast
Malaysia has trimmed its growth forecast mainly due to plunging oil prices. A miscalculated assumption has messed up the 2016 budget, which has the government groping for damage-control measures. One of the key outcomes were increasing the household spending of the country, which can give the sluggish economy a much-needed boost.
Gasoline tumbles to 7-year low at $1.91/gallon
The average gasoline price fell to seven year low and is hovering at $1.91 per gallon in the US. If crude oil price continues to move upwards, then the gas price fall may rebound in the near future. According to AAA, the average may not go above $3 a gallon in 2016. Gasoline price fell 14 cents during the past two weeks.
Oil Price is Still in Turbulence, While U.S. Reported Its Highest Level of Crude Inventories
Speculation over production cut and held the oil price to around $30 a barrel, but uncertainty still lingers. Meanwhile, U.S inventories are reported to reach its highest level of crude stockpile.
US oil explorers anticipated to report a loss of $14 billion
US oil explorers are expected to report a combined loss of about $14 billion for the year 2015, as a result of the sharpest oil price slump in a generation. Bankruptcies and disappointing debt exchanges have led the oil explorers to cut thousands of staffs, trim dividends, and abandon drilling projects to preserve capital and resist insolvency.