U.S. oil stocks, fourth quarter GDP weigh on oil prices

Expectations of a build in U.S. crude oil inventories on the back of rising output pushed crude oil prices lower in early Tuesday trading.

Crude oil prices moved out of the gate strongly on Monday as investors again saw compliance with a production agreement from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries as a sign the market was returning to balance.

Oil prices in early 2016 hit historic lows after OPEC defended a market share with more production and as U.S. shale oil growth caused storage capacity to overflow. A market review from S&P Global Platts forecast a build of 2.1 million barrels in U.S. crude oil stocks for the week ending Feb. 24.

"If confirmed, the stocks increase would be well-short of the average 5.5-million-barrel build seen during 2012-16 for the same reporting week," Futures Editor Geoffrey Craig said in a statement. "Nevertheless, U.S. crude oil stocks are expected to keep growing until U.S. refiners return from planned winter maintenance."

The price for Brent crude oil was down 0.8 percent about a half hour before the start of trading in New York to $55.97 per barrel. The U.S. benchmark for crude oil prices, West Texas Intermediate, was off 0.8 percent from the previous close to $55.95 per barrel.

U.S. stockpiles may be building as refiners prepare to shift operations to make a summer blend of gasoline, which is more expensive to make because of the environmental safeguards needed to prevent emissions and evaporation during warming months.

Broader markets may react to updates in U.S. gross domestic product for the fourth quarter. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported an increase of 1.9 percent, compared with 3.5 percent during the third quarter, unchanged from previous estimates.

Fourth quarter 2016 growth was better than 2015, though data show headwinds may be present in the world's largest economy.

"Real GDP increased 1.6 percent in 2016 -- that is, from the 2015 annual level to the 2016 annual level -- compared with an increase of 2.6 percent in 2015," the BEA reported.

Elsewhere, oil traders may remain focused on how OPEC compliance plays out. An extension to the six-month agreement may be already factored in, but if OPEC calls for tighter policies, oil prices could surge in the second half of the year.

Total sells off assets in Gabon for $350 million
Paris (UPI) Feb 27, 2017
French energy major Total said Monday it was unloading some of its mature assets in emerging West Africa to take advantage of market conditions. Brent crude oil prices are holding steady in the mid-$50 range as markets swing toward balance following an agreement by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to curb output. Crude oil prices are moving in wide swings in day- ... read more

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