Crude Oil Rises as U.S. Consumer Confidence Increases to Six-Month High

Oil rose for the first time in three days as confidence among U.S. consumers increased to the highest level in six months.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment rose to 67.7 this month from 64.1 at the end of last month.

Oil for January delivery gained 40 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $98.74 a barrel.