周三油价持稳，市场关注美国经济数据与地缘政治紧张局势

Core Viewpoint - International oil prices are stabilizing as investors weigh U.S. economic growth against supply disruption risks from Venezuela and Russia, despite heading towards the largest annual decline since 2020 [1][5]. Group 1: Market Performance - As of December 24, 2025, Brent crude futures fell by $0.23, a decrease of 0.4%, to $62.15 per barrel, while WTI dropped by $0.08, a decrease of 0.2%, to $58.29 [1][5]. - Both Brent and WTI have rebounded approximately 6% since hitting near five-year lows on December 16 [2][6]. Group 2: Economic Indicators - The U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in two years during the third quarter, driven by strong consumer spending and a significant rebound in exports [2][6]. - Despite the recent growth, Brent and WTI prices are projected to decline by about 16% and 18% respectively for the year, marking the largest annual drop since the COVID-19 pandemic impacted oil demand [2][6]. Group 3: Supply Disruptions - Supply disruptions from Venezuela are identified as a key factor driving oil prices higher, with ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure between Russia and Ukraine also providing market support [7]. - The U.S. has seized the supertanker "Skipper" and taken action against two other vessels, resulting in over a dozen oil-laden ships currently stranded in Venezuela awaiting new instructions from their owners [7]. - Kazakhstan's oil exports via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) are expected to decrease by one-third in December due to damage from Ukrainian drone strikes, reaching the lowest level since October 2024 [3][7]. Group 4: Inventory Data - The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported an increase in U.S. crude oil inventories by 2.39 million barrels, gasoline inventories by 1.09 million barrels, and distillate inventories by 685,000 barrels [3][7]. - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) will release official inventory data on the following Monday, delayed due to the Christmas holiday [4][7].