NOON SNAPSHOT - Europe Markets Summary

CRUDE: August WTI: $76.26/bbl, down $0.28/bbl. September BRENT: $75.43/bbl, down $0.19/bbl
Crude oil futures were range bound with a weakening euro placing some downward pressure. The markets were waiting for the release of the US statistics later in the day and analysts predicted a drop in crude oil stocks countered by builds in gasoline and distillates.

NAPHTHA: $617-627/tonne, down $3/tonne
Spot prices lost some ground on the back of lower crude oil prices.  August swaps were also pegged lower at $627-628/tonne.

BENZENE: $830-835/tonne, up $5/tonne
July was valued slightly up on the sell side in line with marginal gains on crude values. August was backwardated at $810-825/tonne.

STYRENE: $1,060-$1,080/tonne, steady
The range for July was unchanged this morning in a quiet market. August was notionally backwardated at $1,030-1,050/tonne.