Crude oil mixed

Reuters

Singapore

Crude prices were mixed in late Asian trading on Friday after the US oil benchmark closed at its lowest level since February 2009 on worsening oversupply concerns and a stronger dollar.

At around 0600 GMT, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for January delivery was trading at $34.85 per barrel, 10 cents off its close of $34.95 in New York.

But European benchmark Brent crude for February was up 15 cents to $37.21.

Oil is trading near levels last seen at the height of the last global financial crisis as producers including the OPEC group continue pumping despite depressed prices and anaemic global demand.

Adding to the commodity´s woes is the US Federal Reserve´s decision on Wednesday to raise benchmark interest rates for the first time in nine years, boosting the dollar and thus making crude more expensive for buyers with weaker currencies.