Oil Watch: January 13 to January 18 - Prices, Causes and Effects

Closing price: $90.57 per barrel (steady)
National gas average: $3.00 (steady)

Expect prices to rise until an economic stimulus package is revealed.

Causes:
1. Weak dollar
A lower dollar makes oil cheaper in countries that use other currencies.
2. Recession worries in the U.S.

Effects:
Positive feedback: higher gas and oil prices could hurt the economy more.