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Oil prices tumbled on Friday, 02 August, hitting their lowest levels since January as disappointing US job growth and weak Chinese economic data intensified market pressures. This downturn marks the fourth consecutive weekly decline for oil prices, the longest losing streak since December.

• Brent fell by $2.71, or 3.41%, closing at $76.81/barrel. 
• WTI dropped $2.79, or 3.66%, settling at $73.52/barrel.

The decline in oil prices deepened after US payrolls data for July missed expectations, adding to concerns about economic growth and energy demand. Meanwhile, weak factory activities in China further dampened the sentiment.

On the supply side, OPEC+ remains committed to increasing production in the coming quarter, a plan reiterated at a monitoring meeting on Thursday. However, officials have emphasized that these supply hikes can be adjusted based on market conditions.

Written by: Rochelle Nguyen