Investing.com– Oil prices fell in Asian trade on Friday and were headed for weekly declines as U.S. President Donald Trump called for lower crude prices and higher energy production in the U.S.
Markets also remained on edge over Trump’s plans for trade tariffs against major economies, which could potentially disrupt global trade and weigh on oil demand,
Brent oil futures expiring in March fell 0.6% to $77.82 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 0.6% to $74.21 a barrel by 20:32 ET (01:32 GMT).
Both contracts were trading down between 3.6% and 4.8% for the week- their worst performance since November.
Oil battered by Trump energy policies
Oil prices were dented chiefly by Trump calling for increased energy production in the U.S., with the President declaring a national emergency over the matter.
Trump signed an executive order calling for increased U.S. oil production, while also scaling back certain climate-related restrictions on the energy sector.
Trump on Thursday called on Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to lower oil prices, sparking further losses in crude markets.
The President’s agenda of lower oil prices is likely driven by his intention to bring down U.S. inflation- a scenario that does bode well for the economy in the long run.
But his calls for lower oil prices will likely elicit a mixed response from the energy industry, given that lower prices dent margins. Lower prices also complicate the prospect of increased investment in the energy sector, which Trump has been clamoring for.
China PMIs, Fed in focus
Oil markets were now awaiting key Chinese purchasing managers index data for January, due next week, for more cues on the world’s biggest oil importer.
Focus will be on whether momentum in the Chinese economy carried over from the fourth quarter, following a string of major stimulus measures from Beijing.
China’s Lunar New Year holiday also begins next week, heralding increased fuel demand in the country for travel.
Beyond China, focus is also on a Federal Reserve meeting next week, where the central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates steady after cutting them by 1% through 2024.
This post is originally published on INVESTING.
