Oil prices rose on Monday, supported by optimism about COVID-19 vaccinations, a U.S. stimulus package and growing factory activity in Europe despite coronavirus restrictions.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped 15 cents, or 0.24%, to $61.68 a barrel.
Brent crude was up 44 cents, or 0.68%, at $64.84 a barrel.Both contracts finished February 18% higher.
“The three major supportive factors are the prevalent vaccine rollouts, the optimism about economic growth, and the view that the oil balance will get tighter as a result of the first two points,” PVM Oil Associates analyst Tamas Varga said.
Support also came from a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday.
If approved by the Senate, the stimulus package would pay for vaccines and medical supplies, and send a new round of emergency financial aid to households and small businesses, which will have a direct impact on energy demand.
The approval of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 shot also buoyed the economic outlook.
Manufacturing data from around the world were mixed.
China’s factory activity growth slipped to a nine-month low in February but German activity hit its highest level in more than three years and Euro zone factory activity raced along, driven by rising demand.