crude Oil futures
Technical Analysis

Crude Oil (CL) Technical Analysis, 23 February 2026

Introduction

Crude Oil futures continue to rebound from the $55–56 support zone, with price now pressing into the mid-$60s. The bounce has been steady rather than explosive, but bullish action is clearly improving on both the daily and weekly timeframes.

After months of lower highs, the bulls are attempting to find a way higher and possibly break above the $70 level.

Let’s take a closer look at the technicals and see what they are telling us.

Market Structure & Trend

Daily Chart

CL Daily chart technical analysis

The daily chart shows a clear support in the $55–56 zone, which has held multiple tests since late 2025.

Recent developments:

  • Higher low formed above $56
  • Break above prior short-term lower highs
  • RSI pushing into the low 60s (currently ~63)
  • Stronger candle bodies with reduced downside wicks

Weekly Chart

CL weekly chart technical analysis

The weekly chart reinforces the importance of the $55 area. That level has now acted as:

  • Major support
  • Failed breakdown zone
  • Multi-month base

RSI on the weekly has turned higher and is back above 60, suggesting improving medium-term momentum.

However, crude remains below structural resistance from the $70–72 area.

This remains a recovery phase inside a range until that level breaks.


Key Technical Levels

Resistance

$67–68:
Near-term supply and prior distribution zone. A clean break above this level opens the path toward:

$70–72:
Major structural resistance and prior breakdown zone. This is the level that would confirm a broader bullish reversal.

Support

$62–63:
Short-term support and prior breakout level on the daily.

$55–56:
Major structural support and demand zone. As long as this level holds, the medium-term recovery probability remains intact.

Looking Forward

Bullish Continuation

Acceptance above $68 opens upside toward $70–72. A weekly close above $72 would mark a major shift.

Controlled Pullback

Price retraces toward $62–63, holds, and resumes higher.

Failed Breakout

Rejection at $67–68 followed by a break back below $62 could return crude to a ranging market.


Estimated Probability Table

ScenarioDescriptionEstimated Probability
Bullish continuationBreak above $68 toward $7245%
Controlled pullbackRetrace, hold $62, resume higher35%
Failed breakoutRejection and rotation lower20%

Fundamentals to Watch

1. OPEC+ Policy

Any extension or deepening of production cuts would support price. Conversely, surprise output increases could cap rallies near $70.

2. U.S. Production Trends

Rising shale production can offset OPEC cuts and limit upside momentum.

3. Inventory Data (EIA Reports)

If weekly U.S. crude inventories begin trending lower consistently, it would reinforce the bullish structure. Persistent builds would challenge it.

4. Global Growth Expectations

Oil is highly sensitive to economic outlook. Stronger manufacturing data or improving China demand could support upside.

5. U.S. Dollar (DXY)

A weaker dollar generally supports commodities, including crude. A sustained DXY breakout higher could pressure oil.

Final Takeaway

Crude oil has clearly defended the $55 floor and is now attempting to recover.

Short-term momentum favors the upside but the real test sits at $70–72.

Until that level breaks, crude remains in range recovery.

Above $68, momentum likely expands.
Below $62, the rally risks stalling.

The next few sessions will determine whether this is just rotation — or the early stage of trend development.


This analysis is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute trading advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any futures contracts. Futures trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Always conduct your own research and consult with a licensed financial professional before making trading decisions.