US crude oil inventories jumped more than markets anticipated amid a sharp increase in imports and rise in Cushing crude inventories, official figures showed on Wednesday. According to the Energy Information Administration, US crude stockpiles climbed 13.8 million barrels during the week ended February 3, following the preceding week's gain of 6.5 million barrels and surpassing analysts' expectations for a rise of 2.7 million barrels. The EIA reported US crude oil imports averaged 1.1 million barrels per day last week, rising the most at the Gulf Coast, where inventories surged 10.9 million, the record weekly increase, to 267.6 million barrels. Crude stockpiles at Cushing, Oklahoma, jumped 1.1 million barrels.
Meanwhile, gasoline stocks dropped 869,000 barrels in the same week, topping forecasts for a 1.1 million-barrel rise. Distillate stocks advanced 29,0000 barrels, whereas analysts anticipated a 300,000 barrel-increase. The EIA also said that refinery utilization rates fell 0.5% to 87.7%, while demand for refinery feedstocks declined 54,000 barrels per day. As a result, the price of West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 0.5% to $52.47 per barrel, up from $51.22 ahead of the release, while Brent futures advanced 0.8% to $55.48 per barrel. Earlier this week, the American Petroleum Institute reported US crude stocks climbed 14.3 million barrels.
Upcoming events: Minor US data
During the last trading session of the week there will be released only minor data releases, which could affect the strength of the US Dollar and subsequently the financial instruments, in which it is involved. At 13:30 GMT US Import Prices will be published. Later in the day, at 15:00 GMT, the Preliminary UoM Consumer Sentiment will be released.
Gold falls below 1,225
Daily chart: No matter how strong the technical perspective of a Gold surge can be, changes in the fundamental situation of the US Dollar are capable of destroying any kind of forecast, by changing the whole base of the markets. Due to a decision made by the President of US Donald Trump, the yellow metal fell on Thursday and continued to do so on Friday. If the situation persists, the bullion will fall at least to the 1,219.20 mark, where the 38.20% Fibonacci retracement level is located at. On the other hand, the yellow metal might rally and surge back up to the weekly R1 at 1,233.81.SWFX traders remain bullish
Spreads (avg,pip) / Trading volume / Volatility
Market participants foresee the price of Gold being around 1,250 in May
Traders who were asked regarding their longer-term views on gold between January 10 and February 10 expect, on average, to see the metal near 1,250 in early April. Generally, 52% (+2%) of participants believe the price will be above 1,250 in ninety days. Alongside, 33% (-1%) of those surveyed reckon the currencies will trade in the range between 1,000 and 1,200 over the next three months.