Oil prices advance on softer U.S. non-farm payroll growth

NEW YORK, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Crude oil futures prices posted solid growth on Friday as fears of further monetary tightening receded on weaker U.S. non-farm payroll growth in June.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for August delivery picked up 2.06 U.S. dollars, or 2.87 percent, to settle at 73.86 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for September delivery gained 1.95 dollars, or 2.55 percent, to settle at 78.47 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.