Oil Drops as Dollar Rises, Analysts Forecast Supply Increase

Crude oil dropped as a stronger dollar reduced the appeal of commodities as an alternative investment and analysts forecast fuel supplies will climb. Oil futures have almost doubled since February as the dollar declined 17 percent and rising equity markets buoyed investor confidence. U.S. oil and fuel inventories probably increased last week amid refinery maintenance and a sluggish economic recovery.

“The dollar continues to be a leading indicator for oil prices because of the global nature of the asset,” said Gene McGillian, an analyst and broker at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. Crude oil for November delivery declined 13 cents to settle at $66.71 a barrel at 2:44 p.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Oil prices have increased 50 percent this year. Futures fell 8.4 percent last week, the biggest drop since the week ended July 10.....Read the entire article