Benchmark crude futures

(Newser) - A stock rally lost steam after oil reversed an early decline and finished up slightly at $136.74 a barrel, Marketwatch reports. Investors had earlier turned bullish on an unexpectedly strong retail report and crude prices of $131.55. The Dow ended up 57.81 points, at 12,141.58,...

(Newser) - With oil prices poised to break $100 a barrel this week, potentially punching through the inflation-adjusted record of $101.70 in 1980, speculation shifts to how long it will stay there. The steep rise—27% in 3 months—could set the stage for a dramatic fall. "We probably are...