WTI moves to session peaks above $71.00

• Prices of the WTI are moving higher beyond the $71.00 mark/bbl.
• Upbeat tone in crude oil helped by easing trade tensions.
• US oil rig count went up by 3 during last week.

Prices of the barrel of the West Texas Intermediate are edging higher at the beginning of the week, regaining the key $71.00 and beyond.

WTI in 3-week highs

Prices of the American reference for the sweet light crude oil are in 3-week highs on Monday, always bolstered by a cautious stance from trades amidst jitters on the supply side.

In fact, traders keep looking to the potential US sanctions on Iranian oil exports as a driver of probable supply disruptions in the near term. Furthermore, recent announcements from Saudi Arabia about halting its shipments in the Red Sea have been also collaborating with the recovery in crude prices.

Further out, driller Baker Hughes reported US oil rig count went up by 3 during the week ended on July 27.

Later in the week, the API and the EIA will report on US crude oil stockpiles on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

WTI significant levels

At the moment the barrel of WTI is up 1.71% at $71.28 facing the next up barrier at $72.80 (high May 22) seconded by $74.73 (high Jul.10) and finally $75.34 (2018 high Jul.3). On the other hand, a breach of $69.71 (10-day sma) would aim for $69.62 (200-hour sma) and then $67.08 (low Jul.18).