Oil prices rose slightly on Tuesday, supported by instability in the Middle East as well as China’s stimulus plans and data, although global growth concerns, U.S. tariffs and Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks curbed gains.
Brent futures ticked up 17 cents, or 0.2%, to stand at $71.24 a barrel by 0350 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 14 cents, or 0.2%, to $67.72 a barrel.
“Along with U.S. strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, several factors provided support to the market,” ING analysts said in a research note.
“China unveiled plans to revive consumption, while Chinese retail sales and fixed asset investment growth came in stronger than expected.”
The state council, or cabinet, unveiled on Sunday a special action plan to boost domestic consumption, with measures such as boosting incomes and offering childcare subsidies.
On Monday, Chinese economic data showing that retail sales growth quickened in January-February also gave investors reasons for optimism, although factory output fell and the urban jobless rate reached its highest in two years.
