Oil rises amid US election
Equity markets were volatile and bonds traded higher as vote counting showed election was closer than polls had forecast. PHOTO: REUTERS
Oil prices rose on Wednesday but pared earlier gains after President Donald Trump falsely claimed victory in a tight US election with millions of votes still to be counted and the final result not yet clear. A victory by Trump is viewed as bullish for oil because of sanctions on Iran and his support for Saudi-led oil production cuts to support prices. A contested result and prolonged uncertainty is seen as the most bearish outcome for oil and markets in general, while a win for Joe Biden would be seen as bearish to neutral because of his support for green policies and softer stance on Iran. West Texas Intermediate was up 40 cents, or 1%, at $38.06 a barrel. It earlier reached highs of $38.92. Brent crude was up by 51 cents, or 1.3%, at $40.22 after hitting highs of $40.97.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2020.
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