CRUDE OIL

Crude oil futures declined Wednesday as weak manufacturing reports from the U.S. and China raised concerns of a further global slowdown.

During the holiday week, economy-watchers are likely to focus on Friday's August nonfarm payrolls report and the European Central Bank’s governing council meeting, on Sept. 6.

Crude oil prices declined in Asia Monday as sentiment was dampened after reports indicated a sharp slowdown in the Chinese manufacturing activity in August.

The Hurricane Isaac-related shutdown of at least four U.S. oil refineries and an explosion at a major refinery in Venezuela -- the fourth-largest provider of oil to the U.S. -- could lead to oil prices rising as supply falls.

Asian shares hit a one-month low on growth concerns Thursday as investors await indications of further U.S. stimulus from the U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s on Friday. Meanwhile, the major currencies were range-bound.

Chinese criminal gangs have spilled over into the African country of Angola. Now, their illicit activities are threatening China’s presence in the region.

At least one major refiner, BP PLC (NYSE: BP), has said it is shutting down production in the region. Production shutdowns can lead to price spikes at the pump fairly quickly.

Plumes of thick, black smoke continue to rise from the inferno that has engulfed Venezuela's main oil refinery and left at least 41 people dead and dozens more injured, following the country's worst oil accident on record.

Crude oil futures hovered above $83 a barrel Wednesday ahead of a weekly report on US oil supplies as well as Thursday's OPEC ministerial meeting in Vienna.

The U.S. singled out China on Monday in its effort to push the international community to place additional economic pressure on Iran.

Leaders of the world's 12-member crude oil cartel gather this week in Vienna to discuss and perhaps set a production ceiling for the group in what is expected to rubber stamp the current state of affairs. It is also expected to feature a fierce tug-of-war between Saudi Arabia, the cartel's dominant producer, and Iran.

Crude oil futures declined on Tuesday amid concerns that Spain's banking bailout may not be enough to rescue the country from the financial crisis.

Forbes has upped its wealth estimate for Aliko Dangote, founder and chief executive officer of the Dangote Group, to $11.2 billion.

Crude oil futures rallied Monday as market participants welcomed Europe's plan to provide financial assistance to Spain to properly restructure its troubled banks.

Crude oil production from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose 40,000 barrels per day (b/d) to 31.75 million in May, a new survey has shown.

Lower U.S. demand for crude oil and petroleum products in April helped shrink the nation's balance-of-trade deficit from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Friday, but the trade deficit with China worsened.

Lower U.S. demand for crude oil and petroleum products in April helped shrink the nation's balance-of-trade deficit from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Friday, but the trade deficit with China worsened.

Crude oil futures declined Friday as the lack of explicit hints about further quantitative easing from Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke disappointed investors.

U.S. crude oil futures fell more than $2 on Friday, pressured by uncertainty about the fragile economic recovery in the United States .

Crude oil futures edged higher Wednesday as positive US service sector data and the G7 leaders' pledge to tackle economic problems provided some relief to the markets.

Crude oil futures hovered below $84 a barrel Tuesday as concerns over the euro zone debt crisis continued to weigh on the sentiment.