WTI rebounded from $73.00, but a decline appears probable as negative US PMI spark recession fears

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) have regained some ground in the Asian session after falling to near $73.00. Oil prices experienced a slaughter on Wednesday, which was precipitated by a consecutive dip in United States Manufacturing PMI data provided by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) department.

The U.S. Manufacturing PMI dipped to 48.4 vs estimates of 48.5 and the previous publication of 49.0, marking the lowest figure since May 2000. The Federal Reserve's (Fed) aggressive policy tightening actions to combat persistent inflation have reduced the volume of manufacturing operations. To avoid increasing interest costs, companies are avoiding debt-raising negotiations, which has resulted in unaltered production capacities and diminished investment options.

In the meantime, the robust U.S. job market gives the Federal Reserve (Fed) a compelling justification to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period. The Unemployment Rate is extremely steady at lower levels, and pay growth is robust, which continues to keep inflationary pressures in check.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) stated that oil inventories grew by 3,298 million barrels for the week ending December 30. As people were preoccupied with New Year's celebrations, the majority of operational activity ceased. The official US oil inventory figures will provide fresh impetus moving forward.

In the Asian region, increased Covid infections in China are indicative of a delayed economic recovery. Analysts at Rabobank believe that China is still attempting to deal with the increase in Covid infections following the easing of restrictions. "The current increase of Covid infections is stressing the Chinese health care system in more ways than one. Bloomberg adds that this may also impede Beijing's aspirations to launch a homegrown semiconductor industry to compete with US-controlled supply chains.