A report from energy services firm Baker Hughes on Friday showed U.S. drillers added 137 rigs in the first quarter, the most since the second quarter of 2011. That has fueled demand for machinery, resulting in business spending on equipment rising in the fourth quarter for the first time in a year. Manufacturing is also benefiting from a surge in business sentiment following President Donald Trump's pledge to pursue business-friendly policies, including cutting corporate taxes and deregulation.
SEOUL: Oil prices edged higher on Friday as the market waited to see whether major oil producers would extend supply cuts beyond March at a meeting in Vienna later in the day.
International benchmark Brent crude futures were at US$56.51 a barrel at 0644 GMT, up 8 cents, or 0.14% from their last close.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 12 cents, or 0.24%, at US$50.67 per barrel.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers are set to meet in Vienna at 0800 GMT on Friday to discuss a possible extension of an oil supply cut deal to prop up prices.
Goldman Sachs said that talks over extending cuts are "noteworthy but premature", adding "we believe it is unlikely that committee will recommend extension of cuts this week."
Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney, predicted there will be "strong rhetoric but whether or not they will be able to boost oil prices from current high levels is another question".
There will be some focus on whether Nigeria and Libya, who have been exempt from the curbs, will join any future cuts. The two OPEC members have both been invited to the meeting.
"The market is still split as to whether the meeting will bring fresh supply cuts to the table," ANZ bank said in a note.
"With U.S. stockpiles remaining elevated, a firm signal about lower supply is likely needed for price momentum to remain positive."
OPEC and some non-OPEC producers including Russia first agreed in November last year to cut their output by around 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) to clear global oversupply and support prices.
Despite their concerted efforts - the oil cartel extended their supply cuts until the end of March - prices have remained depressed amid increasing U.S. oil production.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on Wednesday that U.S. crude production reached 9.51 million bpd in the week ended Sept.15, up from 8.78 million bpd a week ago. - Reuters
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