Oil Slips as Strong Dollar, Weak China Data Weigh on Outlook

Oil prices eased on Friday, heading for a third straight monthly decline, as a stronger dollar, weak Chinese factory data, and rising global supply offset concerns over Western sanctions on Russian exports.

Brent crude fell 36 cents, or 0.6%, to $64.64 a barrel, while WTI slipped 43 cents, or 0.7%, to $60.14. Analysts said the strong U.S. dollar, supported by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments pushing back against a December rate cut, curbed demand across commodities.

China’s manufacturing activity contracted for a seventh month, adding pressure to prices. Both benchmarks are set to lose about 3% in October, with OPEC+ producers boosting output and U.S. crude production hitting a record 13.6 million bpd.

Saudi exports climbed to a six-month high, and OPEC+ is reportedly considering a modest output increase at its upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, U.S.-China energy trade talks offered little optimism, with analysts doubtful of a meaningful demand boost.