Oil extended gains as softening US inflation prompted optimism the rate-hiking cycle may be nearing an end, improving the demand outlook.
West Texas Intermediate rose above $76 a barrel after closing 1.2% higher on Wednesday as consumer price inflation dropped to the lowest in more than two years and the dollar weakened. That overshadowed a 6-million-barrel increase in US crude stockpiles, the biggest jump in four weeks.
The International Energy Agency and OPEC will release reports later Thursday that will provide snapshots on the oil market, which is expected to tighten through the second half of the year, buoying prices. Global benchmark Brent closed above $80 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time since April.
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