Core Insights - Oil prices are experiencing significant volatility, with U.S. crude hitting its lowest level since May, indicating a potential surplus and geopolitical factors influencing the market [1][2][3] - The U.S. benchmark has declined approximately 22% this year, marking its worst performance since 2018, while the global benchmark has dropped nearly 20%, the worst since 2020 [2] - OPEC+ members have increased production rapidly after years of cuts, contributing to downward pressure on oil prices [3] Price Movements - West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was last trading at $55.61 per barrel, down 2.13%, while Brent crude was at $59.39, down 1.93% [2] - U.S. gasoline prices have fallen below $3 per gallon, reaching the lowest level in four years [2] Geopolitical Factors - The oil market has been under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the U.S. and European allies imposing sanctions on Russia's crude industry [4] - The potential for a peace agreement in Ukraine is influencing investor sentiment and pricing in lower geopolitical risks [3]

LOGIN SUBSCRIBE advertisement BYÂ Reuters Listen to this ArticleMore info 0:00 / 0:00 An "everything rally†in markets greets the start of a two-day Federal Reserve meeting, with stocks at record highs, bond yields subsiding and a two-month low dollar taking the heat ahead of what is widely expected to be the first U.S. interest rate cut of the year. A quarter point Fed rate cut on Wednesday is fully priced. But the spotlight is as much on the central bank's institutional standing as on the policy call itsel ...

In other Fed news, a federal appeals court ruled on Monday that Fed Governor Lisa Cook can continue serving at the central bank while her legal case proceeds, upholding a lower court’s decision. Also, President Trump’s economic adviser Stephen Miran is set to join the Fed’s board after the Senate confirmed him to the post on Monday night.“Now the discussion will turn to how aggressively the Fed will act. The Fed may remind everyone that it may be focused on jobs now, but it hasn’t forgotten about the other ...