Oil prices rise on Covid-19 vaccine optimism, US economic stimulus

LONDON (Reuters) – Oil prices rose on Monday, supported by optimism about COVID-19 vaccinations, a U.S. stimulus package and growing factory activity in Europe despite coronavirus restrictions.

Brent crude was up 34 cents, or 0.5%, at $64.76 a barrel by 1448 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 13 cents, or 0.2%, to $61.63 a barrel.

Both contracts finished February 18% higher.