economy

Brent Posts Biggest Monthly Decline Since March 2020 as Traders Monitor U.S.-Iran Talks

The moves come as oil traders monitor the prospect for U.S.-Iran talks in Doha on Tuesday.

Brent Posts Biggest Monthly Decline Since March 2020 as Traders Monitor U.S.-Iran Talks

TL;DR

  • Brent crude futures for August delivery closed at $72.92 per barrel, a 21% decline in June.
  • U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for August delivery dropped to $69.50, a decline of over 20% in June.
  • Oil prices are reacting to potential U.S.-Iran talks in Qatar.
  • Both the U.S. and Iran have issued conflicting statements regarding scheduled talks.
  • A memorandum of understanding to pause fighting was reached on June 17, impacting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Energy analysts are surprised by the pace of the oil market sell-off.