NEW YORK - Oil's main international benchmark fell below $70 per barrel on Tuesday, the first time it has done so since the end of 2021, amid mounting concerns about slowing global growth.Meanwhile, global stock markets diverged as traders assessed the outlook for interest rates in the United States and Europe and looked ahead to the release of fresh consumer inflation data on Wednesday.
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut US interest rates at next week's meeting, but debate surrounds whether it will be by 25 or 50 basis points, with some arguing that going for the bigger option could suggest decision-makers are worried.But Tuesday's plunge in oil prices may indicate that those fears are outweighed by concern that policymakers are behind the curve.