Crude hits 4-month high as US jobs report supports demand outlooks

摘要

New York—Improved demand outlooks following a stronger-than- expected US jobs report pushed crude futures to settle at four-month highs ahead of a long holiday weekend for US markets. NYMEX August WTI settled 83 cents higher at $40.65/b, and ICE September Brent climbed $1.11 on the day to settle at $43.14/b. US Department of Labor data released July 2 showed June nonfarm payrolls expanded by 4.8 million, putting the nationwide unemployment rate down to 11.1%.