Stock markets slide as oil price plumbs 2008 low

AFP, LONDON: Global oil prices tanked yesterday close to seven-year lows on oversupply woes, sparking a fresh wave of selling across European stock markets as panicked investors fled the energy sector.
Crude, which has slumped since OPEC left its oil output at a record high level last week, took another tumble after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said oversupply would persist until late 2016. In response, Brent crude for January collapsed to $38.90 per barrel -- a level last seen on December 31, 2008, during the global financial crisis.
US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in January dived to $36.12 -- last witnessed in February 2009.
"Comments from the IEA have ... seen both WTI and Brent fall aggressively, after they (indicated) that the unrelenting supply would see oil prices lower into the new year," said analyst James Hughes at trading firm GKFX.
Traders were also positioning themselves before the weekend and next Wednesday's expected interest rate hike from the US Federal Reserve. The prospect of higher interest rates boosts the greenback, which in turn makes dollar-priced crude more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies. That tends to weigh on oil demand and pull prices lower.
"Oil prices have fallen heavily again this morning as the commodity rout continues to dominate the week," Hughes told AFP.
"Prices have tumbled yet again as many investors try and position themselves ahead of the weekend, and also next week's key Fed decision."
Oil has collapsed by more than 10 per cent since the 13-nation Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries decided against cutting output despite plunging prices, weak global demand and the stubborn supply glut. That has sent shockwaves across world equity markets because low oil prices slash profits for energy majors like BP, Total and Royal Dutch Shell.
Nearing midday on Friday, the London stock market shed 1.0 per cent, Frankfurt sank 1.5 per cent and Paris was down 1.2 per cent in value.
BP's share price slid almost 1.5 per cent to 345.80 pence and Shell's 'B' shares dropped 2.31 per cent to 1,498 pence in London.
French giant Total saw its stock sink 1.57 per cent to 42.41 euros in Paris.
Most Asia markets also sank again on Friday at the end of a painful week for global equities defined by a commodities rout that analysts warn could continue for some time.
The Fed is expected next week to deliver its first interest rate increase in nine years.

Stock markets slide as oil price plumbs 2008 low

AFP, LONDON: Global oil prices tanked yesterday close to seven-year lows on oversupply woes, sparking a fresh wave of selling across European stock markets as panicked investors fled the energy sector. Crude, which has slumped since OPEC left its oil output at a record high level last week, took another tumble after the International Energy Agency (IEA) said oversupply would persist until late 2016. In response, Brent crude for January collapsed to $38.90 per barrel -- a level last seen on December 31, 2008, during the global financial crisis. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for delivery in January dived to $36.12 -- last witnessed in February 2009. Comments from the IEA have ... seen both WTI and Brent fall aggressively, after they (indicated) that the unrelenting supply would see oil prices lower into the new year, said analyst James Hughes at trading firm GKFX. Traders were also positioning themselves before the weekend and next Wednesdays expected interest rate hike from the US Federal Reserve. The prospect of higher interest rates boosts the greenback, which in turn makes dollar-priced crude more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies. That tends to weigh on oil demand and pull prices lower. Oil prices have fallen heavily again this morning as the commodity rout continues to dominate the week, Hughes told AFP. Prices have tumbled yet again as many investors try and position themselves ahead of the weekend, and also next weeks key Fed decision. Oil has collapsed by more than 10 per cent since the 13-nation Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries decided against cutting output despite plunging prices, weak global demand and the stubborn supply glut. That has sent shockwaves across world equity markets because low oil prices slash profits for energy majors like BP, Total and Royal Dutch Shell. Nearing midday on Friday, the London stock market shed 1.0 per cent, Frankfurt sank 1.5 per cent and Paris was down 1.2 per cent in value. BPs share price slid almost 1.5 per cent to 345.80 pence and Shells B shares dropped 2.31 per cent to 1,498 pence in London. French giant Total saw its stock sink 1.57 per cent to 42.41 euros in Paris. Most Asia markets also sank again on Friday at the end of a painful week for global equities defined by a commodities rout that analysts warn could continue for some time. The Fed is expected next week to deliver its first interest rate increase in nine years.