Models of oil barrels and a pump jack are displayed in front of a stock graph in this illustration. - Reuters
TOKYO: Oil prices rose on Thursday, buoyed by optimism over U.S. trade negotiations that would ease pressure on the global economy and a sharper-than-expected decline in U.S. crude inventories.
Brent crude futures gained 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $68.72 a barrel by 0335 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 22 cents, or 0.3%, to $65.47 per barrel.
