How long can the decline in US crude oil prices last?
💡Message Strategy
On Monday (August 4) during the Asia-Europe session, WTI fell for three consecutive days, with a drop of 1.16% today, trading around 66.55. OPEC+'s decision to increase production, coupled with geopolitical and economic policies, has jointly formed the expectation that oil prices will be "weak and volatile, dominated by downward pressure."
Short-Term: Increased Supply Drives Price Decline
OPEC+'s decision to increase production directly led to further declines in oil prices on Monday (Brent crude fell 0.28% to $69.23/barrel, and WTI fell 0.46% to $67.01/barrel), extending Friday's decline. Market expectations of oversupply reinforced bearish sentiment, particularly as the UAE's additional production increase (accounting for 2.4% of global demand) further amplified the signal of easing supply. However, India's announcement to continue purchasing Russian crude oil partially offset the impact, limiting the price decline and failing to shift the short-term downward trend.
Medium-Term: Supply-Demand and Policy Risks Intertwine
On the Supply Side: OPEC+'s production increase plan may be paused after September, as Goldman Sachs anticipates accelerated OECD inventory accumulation and fading seasonal demand support. However, if US shale oil production is forced to cut production at break-even points due to low oil prices, OPEC+ may adjust its strategy and even consider further releasing the remaining 1.66 million barrels/day of production capacity, which would continue to suppress oil prices.
Long-Term: Market Share Competition and Structural Overcapacity
OPEC+'s production increase strategy aims to reshape the global oil landscape by squeezing out high-cost producers, such as US shale oil, through low prices. Due to rising equipment costs driven by tariffs and low oil prices, US shale oil companies have cut capital expenditures, resulting in a decline in the number of active drilling rigs and a slowdown in production growth. This strategic game is likely to keep oil prices in a low range for a long time, with significant long-term downward pressure. Unity within OPEC+ and coordination between Saudi Arabia and the UAE will be key to policy implementation.
📊Technical aspects
Crude oil's short-term (1H) trend has reversed downward from its highs. The moving averages are diverging and aligning downward, indicating a downward trend in the short term.
The K-line chart has continued to close with small real bodies, and the MACD indicator is about to form a golden cross near the zero axis, signaling weakening downward momentum and a bullish bias on pullbacks. Crude oil is expected to remain weak and downward today, with a potential correction near $65.00.
