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US Fed hikes rates: Oil prices rise, dollar slumps

The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday.

Published on: Feb 2, 2023, 07:28:30 IST
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Oil prices rose in early Asian trade on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points, sending the dollar lower.

A dealer counts US dollars at a money exchange market in Karachi. (File)
A dealer counts US dollars at a money exchange market in Karachi. (File)

Brent crude futures rose 56 cents, or 0.7%, at $83.40 a barrel while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) U.S. crude futures rose 65 cents, or 0.8%, to $77.05 a barrel.

The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, yet continued to promise "ongoing increases" in borrowing costs as part of its ongoing battle against inflation.

"Inflation has eased somewhat but remains elevated," the U.S. central bank said in a statement that marked an explicit acknowledgement of the progress made in lowering the pace of price increases from the 40-year highs hit last year.

A weaker greenback makes U.S. dollar-priced oil less expensive for holders of other currencies, boosting demand.

The U.S. dollar last fell 0.3% in the session against a basket of currencies, at 101.15.

Prices are also rising in the backdrop of a Feb 5. ban on Russian refined products by the European Union.

The European Commission proposed last week that from Feb. 5 the EU apply a price cap of $100 per barrel on premium Russian oil products such as diesel and a $45 cap per barrel on discounted products such as fuel oil.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritu Maria Johny

Multimedia journalist with Hindustan Times. Covers India, world, business and tech news with a keen eye for human-interest stories rooted in gender and culture.

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.
Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.
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