- Crude oil inventories fell by a sharp -4.73 million barrels to 332.75 million barrels. Dow Jones had estimates around -2.5 million barrels but we were looking for a level closer to -3 million barrels based upon trader discussions.
- Gasoline inventories did not show the same trend as gasoline inventory rose by +547,000 barrels for the week to 207.7 million barrels. Dow Jones had estimates at a gain of 600,000 barrels, but we were looking for a flat figure with no real change.
- Distillates posted the biggest rise of 2.237 million barrels to 167.79 million barrels.
- Refining capacity ran at 86.94%, down form 87.2% a week ago.
The Oil Services HOLDRs (NYSE: OIH) has gained some steam here and is up 2.1% at $117.85. The United States Oil (NYSE: USO) ETF has also popped on the news initially and is up over 0.5% at $36.91 after having been nin negative territory before the data. The iPath S&P GSCI Crude Oil Total Return Index ETN (NYSE: OIL) also went from negative to being sharply better and positive as shares are up 0.7% at $24.35.
Jon C. Ogg
September 16, 2009