Oil heads for fourth weekly gain on signs of market tightening

Dubai: Oil headed for a fourth weekly gain amid tentative signs that global markets are tightening.

Brent futures advanced 0.6 per cent in thin trading volumes, holding above $80 a barrel in London. Prices were bolstered as China, the world’s biggest crude importer, stepped up efforts to boost its flagging economic recovery.

Volumes often taper off during the summer holiday period and traders have been reducing their exposure in crude markets, sharply curbing open interest in West Texas Intermediate. The US benchmark is also on track for fourth straight weekly increase.

Crude has ticked higher since late June on signs the market is tightening, but remains lower for the year. China’s recovery has been a major drag on demand, as has the Federal Reserve’s aggressive monetary policy.

The US central bank is expected to raise rates next week and odds for a further move higher went up slightly after initial jobless claims data, released Thursday, pointed to continued labor-market strength.

“Crude prices have struggled for direction this week, amidst a tug-of-war between the fragile demand picture and a supportive supply outlook,” analysts at consultants FGE said in a report. “Despite this week’s underwhelming price performance, we remain cautiously bullish given the tightening supply outlook.”