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Moody’s Downgrade and Weak Chinese Data Spark Demand Fears
The oil market came under pressure following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit outlook and softer-than-expected Chinese economic data. Monday’s data from China showed industrial output and retail sales growth slowing in April, denting hopes for a sustained recovery in the world’s second-largest oil consumer.
Analysts flagged the timing of Moody’s downgrade as particularly damaging, given rising concerns over U.S. debt sustainability and broader monetary health. While the immediate market reaction has been modest, traders are bracing for a potential “slow bleed” in sentiment. China’s economic hiccups are equally concerning, especially after recent optimism surrounding tariff rollbacks between Beijing and Washington had lifted crude prices over 1% last week.
China’s Surplus Crude Stockpile Builds Despite Weaker Refinery Runs
Further dampening the demand outlook, China’s crude oil surplus swelled in April for the second straight month. Refinery throughput fell to 14.12 million bpd from 14.85 million bpd in March, despite imports staying elevated at 11.69 million bpd. The result was a surplus of 1.89 million bpd—China’s largest since June 2023.
This accumulation comes as refiners capitalize on steep discounts for sanctioned Iranian and Russian crude. Imports from Russia totaled 1.38 million bpd in April, while Iranian volumes hit 743,000 bpd, both among the highest levels in recent months. Although official stockpile data is limited, the build-up suggests that Chinese refiners are increasingly insulated from short-term price spikes and may curtail purchases if global benchmarks climb.
Ongoing U.S.-Iran Tensions Limit Oil Price Declines
Uncertainty around U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is helping put a floor under prices, as traders weigh the odds of additional Iranian supply returning to the market. Over the weekend, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s tough stance on uranium enrichment drew a sharp rebuke from Tehran, raising the risk of prolonged diplomatic friction.
Market Outlook: Bearish Near-Term Bias with Downside Risk to $59.13
Given the mounting surplus in China, soft economic indicators from both the U.S. and China, and technical resistance capping gains, the near-term outlook for crude oil is bearish. Traders should monitor whether prices can hold above the $60.00 support; a break below opens the door for a retest of $59.13.
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