As shown on the XTI/USD chart, WTI crude is trading below $57 today, with the 2025 low sitting near $55. Several factors are currently weighing on oil prices:
→ Uncertainty surrounding the US-China trade deal — the world’s two largest oil consumers — continues to cloud the outlook for global growth and crude demand.
→ Increased output from OPEC+ members has added further pressure, with the IEA last week raising its forecast for a global oil surplus.
→ A decline in the risk premium following the peace agreement in the Middle East has also reduced support for oil prices.
So, what could happen next?
Seven days ago, we noted that:
→ In the long-term context, oil price fluctuations — following the June escalation in the Middle East — have formed a downward channel (shown in red). The current price has now slipped below its lower boundary.
→ In the short term, the pace of the decline appears to be accelerating, highlighted by the purple trajectory lines.
At that time, we suggested a scenario in which WTI could drift towards its yearly low near $55, which is now materialising. However, note the following:
→ The RSI indicator is hovering near oversold territory.
→ The chart shows signs of a Falling Wedge pattern, which often precedes a bullish reversal.
Given these signals, it is reasonable to assume that, after a roughly 10% decline since the start of the month, bears may begin locking in profits on short positions. This could trigger a technical rebound in WTI prices — potentially towards the resistance area defined by:
→ The lower boundary of the red channel;
→ The psychological level of $60;
→ The median line of the purple channel.
