Crude oil today fell by 3.61%, currently consolidating at the lower end of the 59.1-62.4 oscillation channel. The US initial jobless claims data will be released tonight at 21:30, with market expectations at 215,000 and the previous figure at 208,000. This data will serve as a direct trigger point.

Why is this data so important? It will influence the Federal Reserve's expectations for interest rate cuts, thereby affecting the dollar's trend, and ultimately directly driving short-term fluctuations in crude oil. Coupled with the tug-of-war between supply and demand in the oil market and market sentiment swings, these factors may amplify the volatility of the data-driven market movements.

Currently, the price is stuck at the lower boundary of the range. My view is not to rush into short positions. It’s better to rely on key support and resistance levels for positioning, as this approach offers better risk control.

How to operate specifically?

**Long position perspective**: If the price can stabilize within the 59.0-59.5 range, you can enter a position, with a stop-loss below 58.5. The initial target is 60, and if it breaks through 60, then look towards 62.

**Short position perspective**: If resistance is encountered within the 60.5-61.0 range, consider shorting, with a stop-loss above 61.5. The initial target is 59, and if it breaks below, then look further down to 59.

(Disclaimer: This is just personal insight for reference only. All actual operations should follow the market conditions.)