Oil prices up as global markets recover post Brexit

TIL Desk/Business/Singapore-Oil prices rose in Asia today as traders welcomed assurances from central bank around the world that they were ready to step in to prevent a global rout following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union. After the initial shock of last Thursday’s referendum sparked a freefall, this week has seen a broad recovery across all asset classes.

South Korea has promised of USD 17 billion in stimulus and speculation swirls that Japan is planning to further loosen monetary policy while the chances of the US raising interest rates have all but evaporated. Yesterday Bank of England boss Mark Carney hinted that policymakers were contemplating a cut in interest rates.

The news sent European and US shares soaring, and Asian traders picked up the baton today to press more gains. The optimism filtered through to the oil market and at about 0315 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for August delivery was up 34 cents, or 0.70 per cent, at USD 48.67. Brent for September, a new contract, was up 39 cents, or 0.78 per cent, at USD 50.10. “Investors seemed to be finding reasons to be optimistic about the post-Brexit rebound,” said IG Markets analyst Bernard Aw.