Weaker-than-expected US GDP growth and cooling PCE inflation weigh on crude prices amid broader market volatility.
Crude prices fell as softer US economic data raised demand concerns. Second-quarter GDP growth came in below expectations, while June PCE inflation cooled, signaling potential economic slowdown.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported GDP growth at an annualized rate of 2.4%, missing consensus estimates of 2.5%. Core PCE inflation, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge, rose 0.2% month-over-month, aligning with forecasts but easing from prior months.
Market volatility intensified as the Bank of Japan intervened in currency markets, pushing USDJPY to 157.95 and dragging the Dollar Index lower.