FxWirePro: Norwegian Krone slumps to 1-week trough as crude oil declines on demand concerns
Thursday, August 20, 2020 8:56 AM UTC
- The Norwegian Krone tumbled to a 1-week trough as oil prices eased on demand risks and U.S. stockpile data.
- Crude oil prices plunged as major producers warned of a risk to the recovery in demand if the coronavirus crisis prolonged, while U.S. crude inventories dropped less than expected.
- Crude stockpiles in the United States fell last week for a fourth straight week, although the 1.6 million barrel decline was less than a Reuters poll showing expectations for a 2.7 million barrel fall.
- Meanwhile, Energy Information Administration data showed fuel demand was down 14 percent from the year-earlier period over the last four weeks.
- International benchmark Brent crude was trading 0.3 percent down at $45.02 per barrel by 0844 GMT, having hit a high of $45.76 last week, its highest since August 5. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was trading 0.05 percent lower at $42.70 a barrel, after rising as high as $43.01 on Wednesday, its highest since August 5.
- USD/NOK trades 0.4 percent higher at 8.9488, having touched a low of 8.7927 on Tuesday, its lowest since early Janunary.
- Immediate resistance is located at 8.9814, close above could take it till 9.0086.
- On the downside, support is around 8.8552, break below could take it till 8.8295.