Oil continues to rise in price after rising the day before

Oil prices continue to rise, reaching their highest levels since October. Brent futures for March delivery rose to $77.85 per barrel. 

The day before, this grade rose by $0.75 (+1%), closing at $77.05. WTI futures for February delivery added $0.41 (+0.55%) and reached $74.66 per barrel, after rising by $0.69 (+0.9%) a day earlier. Both brands ended the previous session at their highest levels since October.

Growth factors:

• Seasonal demand. The good travel figures during the holiday period supported the optimism.

• Chinese incentives. Expectations of economic support in China are pushing the quotes up.

Inventory data:

The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a decrease in oil reserves in the United States by 4 million barrels per week, which was the fifth decline in a row. If the official data of the Ministry of Energy confirms this assessment, it will strengthen the market. Analysts predict a decrease in stocks by 250 thousand barrels.