OIL FUTURES: Crude ends week higher amid US economic optimism, global supply risks

Crude oil futures settled higher July 15, as recession fears eased after a fresh round of US data painted a still-robust picture of the economy. NYMEX August WTI settled $1.81 higher at $97.59/b and ICE September Brent climbed $2.06 to settle at $101.16/b. “Crude prices surged after an impressive retail sales report reminded just how strong the US economy remains,”…