U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures finished lower last Thursday, while inching higher for the week. The range was tight and volume was light during the holiday shortened week. The news remained supportive, but buyers were scarce. Even though the market hit its highest level since November 5, the buying seemed tentative. The market continued to be supported by the OPEC-led production cuts and the U.S. sanctions against Venezuela and Iran. An unexpected drop in U.S. crude inventories also underpinned prices. However, concerns have been raised about the continuation of the deal to cut supply beyond its June ... (full story)