Brent fell $1.35 per barrel (bbl) last week to average $65.49/bbl while WTI had a more stable week, falling only $0.18/bbl to average $56.37/bbl. For the week ahead, we expect Brent to average $66/bbl and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) to average $56/bbl.

Geopolitical: Neutral

On the geopolitical front, negotiations with North Korea fell apart, but were amicable enough not to raise red flags. In Venezuela, the much-feared confrontation between government and opposition forces flared out fairly quickly.

Dollar: Negative

Markets will continue to focus on macroeconomic data, particularly any updates from the negotiations between China and the United States. Also this week, a new Markit PMI and data about factory orders and worker productivity will be released. These reports are regularly called out as early warning signs when looking at the U.S. economy.

Trader Sentiment: Positive

Trader positioning continues to show some optimism for prices, although there is a stronger bullish sentiment towards international prices than domestic U.S., stemming from ongoing concerns about oversupply.

Supply: Negative

The latest Baker Hughes rig count showed that rigs fell last week, and are now at the lowest level since May 2018. This supports our theory that U.S. operators will maintain capital discipline, despite higher crude prices.

Demand: Neutral

Demand will be a neutral factor in the week ahead. In the U.S., crude runs continue to seasonally decline, but likely builds in crude stocks will be offset by expected declines in product stocks.

Refining: Neutral

Refining will be a neutral factor in the week ahead.

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