Oil prices eventually rise, supported by Bernanke
Oil prices had closed up on Friday for the third consecutive session on the New York market, as investors were reassured by statements by Fed Chairman on possible new measures to support the economy if necessary.
The October contract on the U.S. light crude closed up 1.81 dollars, or 2.47%, to 75.17 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
At the time of closing in New York, a barrel of Brent crude advanced $ 1.70, or 2.27%, to 76.72 dollars.
On the whole week, the contract on crude grew by $ 1.71, or 2.33%, signing up after two consecutive weeks of declines.
The Federal Reserve Chairman United States, Ben Bernanke said Friday that the economic recovery had slowed more than expected and the Fed was prepared, if necessary, to adopt additional measures to support the activity.
Prices were also supported by redemptions of short positions against the threat of tropical storm "Earl", which moves in the Atlantic and could become a hurricane by Sunday.
Concerns over Hurricane Danielle "were however attenuated as it swirls currently above the Atlantic, far from shore, according to the U.S. weather service.