# Oil prices had their worst year since 2015 — here's what went wrong

> U.S. crude ended 2018 down about 25 percent at $45.41 a barrel, while Brent fell roughly 19.5 percent for the year, marking the biggest annual loss since 2015. The market swung from shortage worries mid-year to glut fears, with prices losing more than a third of their value in the fourth quarter.

- Date: 2018-12-31 · published 2018-12-31T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: market · region Global · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/61726-oil-prices-had-their-worst-year-since-2015-here-s-what-went-wrong
- Commodities: [Crude Oil (WTI)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/WTI.md), [Crude Oil (Brent)](https://feedsoft.ai/c/BRENT.md)

## Why it matters

Lower crude weakens the energy cost backdrop and tends to pull down biofuel-linked feedstock values and freight costs for feed buyers. The bearish trend reflects demand worries and oversupply, so the price outlook stays pressured until supply and demand reset.

## Read by commodity

- WTI: bearish ▼
- BRENT: bearish ▼

## Sources

- cnbc.com: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/31/oil-prices-are-set-for-their-worst-year-since-2015.html

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.