Core Viewpoint - The recent interception of a sanctioned oil tanker by the U.S. military near Venezuela's coast, along with a decrease in U.S. crude oil inventories and the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, has led to an increase in market risk appetite and a rise in international oil prices [1][2]. Group 1: Oil Price Dynamics - The increase in oil prices is a result of the interplay between soft power (rules) and hard power (market data), influenced by U.S. sanctions and Federal Reserve policies [2]. - On December 10, 2023, WTI crude oil prices rose by $0.21 to $58.46 per barrel, a 0.36% increase, while Brent crude oil prices increased by $0.27 to $62.21 per barrel, a 0.44% rise [1]. Group 2: Geopolitical Influence - The U.S. military's action to seize the oil tanker is a manifestation of geopolitical rule dynamics, which may complicate Venezuela's ability to export oil, as shipping companies may become more reluctant to load Venezuelan crude [3]. - The ongoing U.S. sanctions against Venezuela have created a closed-loop of "sanctions-economic contraction-regime pressure," leading to persistent market concerns about long-term supply shortages [3]. Group 3: Monetary Policy Impact - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% is expected to weaken the dollar, making oil priced in other currencies more expensive [4]. - Historical data indicates that during Fed rate cut cycles, commodity market inflows typically increase by an average of 23%, providing support for oil prices [4]. Group 4: Inventory Trends - The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a decrease of 1.812 million barrels in crude oil inventories, marking the first decline in approximately three weeks, which is significant as it exceeds the critical threshold of 1.5 million barrels [5]. - The divergence in regional inventory trends, with a 308,000-barrel increase in Cushing inventories against a national decline, highlights structural contradictions in the U.S. oil market [5]. Group 5: Market Reactions - The rise in international oil prices on December 10 is attributed to multiple converging factors, including the drop in U.S. inventories and expectations of further rate cuts, which have driven WTI and Brent prices upward [5]. - The price differential between WTI and Brent remains around $4 per barrel, reflecting the dynamic balance between U.S. shale oil exports and global market conditions [5].