Oil prices muted as slowdown worries offset China data, Mideast risks
Oil prices were little changed in early trading on Tuesday as global growth concerns, U.S. tariffs and Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks offset increased instability in the Middle East that could impact supply.
Brent futures ticked up 10 cents, or 0.14%, to $71.17 a barrel by 0135 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 7 cents, or 0.1%, to $67.65 a barrel.
«Fundamentally the economic uncertainties overshadow geopolitical tensions,» said independent market analyst Tina Teng.
«China's positive data needs to be sustained to gain market confidence as the global demand outlook is still weak amid tariffs and ceasefire talks for the Ukraine war.»
On Monday, Chinese economic data showing that retail sales growth quickened in January-February gave investors reasons for optimism, although factory output fell and the urban jobless rate reached its highest in two years.
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Prices also continued to gain support from President Donald Trump's vow to continue the U.S. assault on Yemen's Houthis unless the group ends its attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Meanwhile, talks on Tuesday between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the Ukraine war were in focus. Markets believe a potential peace negotiation would involve the easing of sanctions on Russia and the return of Russian crude supply to global markets, weighing on prices.
Highlighting ongoing concerns about demand, the other key downside risk for oil, the OECD said on Monday that Trump's tariffs would drag down growth in the