WTI find support near $85, geopolitical tensions keep Oil demand intact
Source Fxstreet
- The Oil price consolidates near $85.00 ahead of the US Inflation data for March.
- US inflation data will provide cues about when the Fed could start reducing interest rates.
- Iran’s direct involvement in the war in Gaza and more Ukraine attacks on Russian oil refineries could tighten the oil supply further.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), futures on NYMEX, remain supported near $85.00 ahead of the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which will be published at 12:30 GMT. The inflation data for march will influence market expectations for the Federal Reserve (Fed) pivoting to rate cuts in the June meeting.
The inflation data is expected to remain stubborn due to higher oil prices, rentals, and insurance costs and portfolio management fees.
The Oil price corrects after printing a fresh five-month high at $87.50. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East region keep the Oil demand intact. Israel’s proposal of ceasefire doesn’t meet various Hamas demands, but the latter has commented that it would study further and revert to mediators. Hamas wants Israel to withdraw its forces and allow Palestinians to return home, who were displaced due to war in Gaza.
Fears of Iran’s direct intervention in the Israel-Palestine war deepen as the Israeli army has announced that they are ready to invade Rafah, the last resort for Palestinians who have been displaced.
Iran’s entry from the front to war at Gaza will significantly disrupt the oil supply chain. Iran is the third largest oil producer of the OPEC, and its direct involvement in war will tighten the Oil market significantly, which will have a positive impact on the Oil price.
In the eastern region of Europe, Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure have also kept fears of oil supply shocks unabated.
Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Recommended Articles
Bitwise's Matt Hougan Predicts a Crypto Boom in 2026 Amid Current Market Struggles
Ethereum slides 5% as bears lean on $3,500 cap and put $3,150 support in focusEthereum (ETH) drops more than 5% after a failed push above $3,550, with price sliding to $3,153 and now holding below $3,350, the 100-hour SMA and a bearish trend line at $3,500; unless bulls reclaim the $3,350–$3,500 zone, the short-term bias stays bearish and a clean break under $3,150 could expose $3,050, $3,000 and even the $2,880–$2,850 support area.
Ethereum (ETH) drops more than 5% after a failed push above $3,550, with price sliding to $3,153 and now holding below $3,350, the 100-hour SMA and a bearish trend line at $3,500; unless bulls reclaim the $3,350–$3,500 zone, the short-term bias stays bearish and a clean break under $3,150 could expose $3,050, $3,000 and even the $2,880–$2,850 support area.
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) trade in red on Friday after correcting more than 5%, 10% and 2%, respectively, so far this week.
Bitcoin slides deeper into red as bears lean on $96,600 wall and eye $90,000Bitcoin extends its decline after failing to reclaim $96,500, trading below $95,000, the 100-hour SMA and a bearish trend line near $96,600; unless bulls can force a decisive close back above $96,600–$97,200, the short-term path of least resistance stays lower, with $92,500, $90,000 and the main $88,500 support zone in focus.
Bitcoin extends its decline after failing to reclaim $96,500, trading below $95,000, the 100-hour SMA and a bearish trend line near $96,600; unless bulls can force a decisive close back above $96,600–$97,200, the short-term path of least resistance stays lower, with $92,500, $90,000 and the main $88,500 support zone in focus.
Bitcoin briefly loses 2025 gains as crypto plunges over the weekend.Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline this weekend, briefly erasing its 2025 gains and dipping below its year-opening value of $93,507. The cryptocurrency fell to a low of $93,029 on Sunday, representing a 25% drop from its all-time high in October. Although it has rebounded slightly to around $94,209, the pressures on the market remain significant.
The downturn occurred despite the reopening of the U.S. government on Thursday, which many had hoped would provide essential support for crypto markets. This year initially appeared promising for cryptocurrencies, particularly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has established the most pro-crypto administration thus far. However, ongoing political tensions—including Trump's tariff strategies and the recent government shutdown, lasting a historic 43 days—have contributed to several rapid price pullbacks for Bitcoin throughout the year.
Market dynamics are also being influenced by Bitcoin whales—investors holding large amounts of Bitcoin—who have been offloading portions of their assets, consequently stalling price rallies even as positive regulatory developments emerge. Despite these sell-offs, analysts from Glassnode argue that this behavior aligns with typical patterns seen among long-term investors during the concluding stages of bull markets, suggesting it is not indicative of a mass exodus.
Notably, Bitcoin is not alone in its struggles, as Ethereum and Solana have also recorded declines of 7.95% and 28.3%, respectively, since the start of the year, while numerous altcoins have faced even steeper losses.
Looking ahead, questions linger regarding the viability of the four-year cycle thesis, particularly given the increasing institutional support and regulatory frameworks now in place in the crypto landscape. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic, suggesting a potential Bitcoin resurgence in 2026 driven by the “debasement trade” thesis and a broader trend toward increased adoption of stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Hougan emphasized the soundness of the underlying fundamentals, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector in the longer term.
Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline this weekend, briefly erasing its 2025 gains and dipping below its year-opening value of $93,507. The cryptocurrency fell to a low of $93,029 on Sunday, representing a 25% drop from its all-time high in October. Although it has rebounded slightly to around $94,209, the pressures on the market remain significant.
The downturn occurred despite the reopening of the U.S. government on Thursday, which many had hoped would provide essential support for crypto markets. This year initially appeared promising for cryptocurrencies, particularly after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, who has established the most pro-crypto administration thus far. However, ongoing political tensions—including Trump's tariff strategies and the recent government shutdown, lasting a historic 43 days—have contributed to several rapid price pullbacks for Bitcoin throughout the year.
Market dynamics are also being influenced by Bitcoin whales—investors holding large amounts of Bitcoin—who have been offloading portions of their assets, consequently stalling price rallies even as positive regulatory developments emerge. Despite these sell-offs, analysts from Glassnode argue that this behavior aligns with typical patterns seen among long-term investors during the concluding stages of bull markets, suggesting it is not indicative of a mass exodus.
Notably, Bitcoin is not alone in its struggles, as Ethereum and Solana have also recorded declines of 7.95% and 28.3%, respectively, since the start of the year, while numerous altcoins have faced even steeper losses.
Looking ahead, questions linger regarding the viability of the four-year cycle thesis, particularly given the increasing institutional support and regulatory frameworks now in place in the crypto landscape. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise, remains optimistic, suggesting a potential Bitcoin resurgence in 2026 driven by the “debasement trade” thesis and a broader trend toward increased adoption of stablecoins, tokenization, and decentralized finance. Hougan emphasized the soundness of the underlying fundamentals, pointing to a positive outlook for the sector in the longer term.
