The ripple effects of decisions made by Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the largest oil exporters globally, are hard to ignore. Their recent move to extend voluntary supply cuts to the end of the year, comprising a cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd) by Saudi Arabia and 300,000 bpd by Russia, has been influential. This decision complements the April cuts that OPEC+ producers agreed upon, which are set to run until the end of 2024. This overarching strategy of curbing supply has significant implications for oil prices globally, primarily putting an upward pressure.
Economic Indicators and Their Role
Beyond production, macroeconomic factors also shape oil's pricing landscape. The U.S. Dollar Index, serving as a reflection of the dollar's strength against a basket of currencies, saw an uptick. Coupled with somewhat disappointing economic data from the eurozone, where growth barely touched 0.1% against the anticipated 0.3%, it resulted in potential demand dampening for crude. A robust dollar generally makes oil, priced in dollars, more expensive for those transacting…