WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The oil prices have reached their lowest point since May 2003, settling several cents higher than their intraday low of $26.19.
In addition, the global benchmark Brent settled at $27.94 a barrel, falling 2.9 percent and collapsing the US stock market.
Earlier in the day, the Fitch rating agency lowered the 2016 price forecast for oil to $45 a barrel, suggesting that the long-term oil price will stand at $65 a barrel.
Fitch said US producers took advantage of special conditions in 2015, including low-cost brownfield expansions and previously funded projects, which allowed them to keep production higher than anticipated. However, Fitch added opportunities will diminish in 2016, leading to decline in production.
