Crude Oil WTI futures traded slightly lower on Tuesday, slipping 0.28% to $57.95, as energy markets faced renewed caution ahead of upcoming U.S. economic indicators and ongoing concerns about global demand. The modest pullback continues a broader period of choppy trading, with prices hovering between $57.67 and $58.30 throughout the day.

Despite the decline, the market remained relatively stable, reflecting a balance between lingering supply constraints and persistent demand-side uncertainties.

Market Shows Sideways Momentum as Buyers Lose Steam

Trading action throughout the session suggested limited conviction from either bulls or bears. Midday data showed prices oscillating near the $58.00 level before drifting lower, with a highlighted interval on the chart showing WTI closing at $58.53 and posting a high of $58.57 earlier in the afternoon. Volume remained moderate at 730 contracts, underscoring the cautious tone.

Across the broader timeframe, WTI has faced sustained downward pressure:

• 1-month performance: –5.84%

• 1-year performance: –15.39%

• 5-year performance: +28.75%

These figures underscore the continued turbulence in energy markets, even with long-term prices showing resilience.

Traders Monitor Supply Signals and OPEC+ Activity

Investor attention remains centered on potential shifts from OPEC+ as the group debates production strategies for early 2026. Recent signals of weaker-than-expected refinery activity and slowing Chinese fuel demand have weighed on sentiment, even as U.S. crude inventories remain mixed week to week.

With settlement scheduled for December 19, 2025, and contract specifications pointing to continued physical delivery, traders are bracing for possible volatility if production adjustments or policy headlines emerge.

Economic Outlook Adds Another Layer of Uncertainty

The energy market continues to track broader macroeconomic signals, including this week’s U.S. consumer spending data and updated inflation readings. With recession concerns persisting and interest-rate expectations shifting almost weekly, traders are quick to react to any signal that could influence demand for fuel, transportation, and industrial output.

What to Watch Moving Forward

As crude hovers near the $58 mark, the next move will depend heavily on incoming economic data, updated OPEC+ guidance, and any surprises in U.S. inventory reports. If demand indicators weaken further, WTI could test support levels near recent lows. Conversely, stronger economic momentum or supply cuts could lift prices back toward the mid-$60 range.

Traders will closely monitor the interplay of geopolitical developments, global consumption trends, and policy decisions as the market sets its tone heading into year-end.