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Home Front: Economy
Oil prices drop below $50 a barrel
2004-11-01
Oil futures prices sank to their lowest level in nearly a month Monday on a continuation of the selloff sparked last week by rising U.S. supplies of crude and easing fears about the refining industry's ability to satisfy heating oil demand.

The downward momentum appeared to overshadow concerns traders had about a possible strike in oil-rich Nigeria and a new setback to Russian oil giant Yukos, which was reportedly hit with $10 billion in new tax claims on Monday.

December crude futures declined by $1.63 to settle at $50.13 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange — the lowest closing price since Oct. 4, when futures settled at $49.91 per barrel. Prices had fallen as low as $49.30 a barrel in intraday trade. In London, December Brent crude futures fell $1.92 to $47.06 per barrel.

"We could move a couple of bucks more on the downside," said BNP Paribas Futures trader Tom Bentz.

Bentz added that worldwide oil supplies remain tight and that, therefore, "I'd be a little cautious" about declaring the beginning of the end of high prices. "The reality is that not a lot has changed fundamentally," he said.

Posted by:Mark Espinola

#4  Someone has been playing the futures market since the beginning of the year.

Watch as oil prices crash through the floor shortly after Soros loses his bet against Bush.
Posted by: Kalle (kafir forever)   2004-11-01 10:34:26 PM  

#3  How about that. Wonder how far they'll fall Wednesday if Bush is the uncontested winner. Kinda makes you wonder why they rose. Chicoms, Soros or both.
Posted by: Mrs. Davis   2004-11-01 6:43:47 PM  

#2  Is there a tip jar for Espinosa? He's feeling a bit light these days.
Posted by: lex   2004-11-01 6:21:30 PM  

#1  We are now have RantBurg's Mark where we want him! Bear trapper for you buddi! Don't touch me railroads.
Posted by: The Commodore   2004-11-01 6:12:17 PM  

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