Oil prices edged down on Monday morning as markets digested comments from U.S. Federal Reserve officials pointing to a more patient stance regarding potential interest rate cuts, in thin early trade on what is a public holiday in the United States. Brent crude futures were down 58 cents, or 0.69%, at $82.89 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was 35 cents, or 0.44%, lower at $78.84 at 0138 GMT.
Markets are yet to see the direction of demand from China after that country returns from a week-long Lunar New Year holiday, while Presidents’ Day in the United States is set to keep trade relatively muted.