The commodity market, struggling to maintain its upward momentum, frequently slips into sell-offs. On Thursday, the price of Brent crude oil fell to 83.60 USD per barrel.

On Wednesday evening, Brent lost almost 1% of its value due to expectations regarding lending costs. Market discussions revolved around the possibility that the Federal Reserve's interest rates could remain high for an extended period. This outlook is detrimental to the demand prospects for energy resources.

The yield on US government bonds increased on Wednesday, dragging the USD along and exerting significant pressure on the entire spectrum of commodity assets, including oil. This development raises concerns as commodities become less attractive to investors who pay in US dollars. Market participants speculated on the consequences if the Federal Reserve postpones the beginning of the easing cycle or decides not to lower rates at all this year.

According to the API, fresh statistics showed that crude oil inventories in the US fell by 6.490 million barrels for the week. Gasoline stocks decreased by 0.452 million barrels, while distillate reserves rose by 2.045 million.

With June approaching, concerns grow regarding the upcoming OPEC meeting this Sunday.

Brent technical analysis

(Click on image to enlarge)

On the H4 chart, Brent made its first upward impulse towards 84.66. Today, a corrective wave is developing towards 82.55, with an anticipated formation of a consolidation range above this level. An upward breakout from this range is expected to initiate a new growth wave towards 84.70. Breaking through this level could extend the trend to 86.50, representing a short-term target. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the MACD indicator. Its signal line is above zero and is pointing strictly upwards.

(Click on image to enlarge)

On the H1 chart, Brent completed a growth impulse structure to 84.66. It is currently correcting to 83.60. A consolidation range has formed below this level. An upward breakout from this range will signal the start of a growth wave towards 85.00 while breaking downwards will open up the potential for a correction to 82.55. After this correction, a new growth wave towards 85.00 could develop. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator. Its signal line is above the 20 mark. A new growth structure to the 80 mark is expected.

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