Oil prices have increased significantly , reaching with a high of $ 109 (Brent) and $ 96 (WTI) a barrel after a report showed that the number of applications for benefits fell more than expected , while strengthening optimism that the U.S. economy will grow . The Ministry of Labor reported

The number of initial claims for unemployment benefits last week fell by 21,000 to 323,000 , the lowest since Sept. 28 , after a revised reading last week at 344,000 (previously reported 339,000 ) . Economists had expected a fall of the rate to 333 thousand Add that to the previous week fell Veterans Day , which complicates the seasonal adjustment of the number of applications .

In addition, it was reported that the four-week average of initial claims , which smooths out weekly volatility , fell by 6,750 , from 345,250 to 338,500 .

The unemployment rate among people eligible for benefits , remained at 2.2% in the week ended November 9. This rate has persisted since mid-September. We add that the 57 states and territories reported an increase in the number of applications for unemployment benefits , and six reported decreases .

The labor market perked up in October , despite the 16-day partial " shutdown " of the federal government. If the improvement continues, the Federal Reserve may soon decide that the economy is strong enough to start closing the program of bond purchases in the amount of $ 85 billion a month.

Add that to the cost of oil also contributed words of the head of the European Central Bank , Mario Draghi , who declined to comment on the likelihood of negative interest rates on deposits .

" This idea was discussed at the last meeting on monetary policy , but so far no news in this regard is not ," said Draghi . During a press conference earlier , he reported that the bank " technically ready " to lower interest rates to negative values ​​, if required by economic conditions .

In addition, the head of the ECB noted that the recovery in the euro area continues but remains " weak, unstable and uncertain ," and until is achieved price stability , the stability of it , too, should not wait. "The risks to the economic outlook continues to be top-down ", - he added. Draghi also said that only through monetary policy can not stabilize the situation in the eurozone and called on EU governments to make some concessions in the reform program .

The price of January futures on U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) rose to $ 95.13 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

January futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture rose $ 1.26 to $ 109.10 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.