West Texas Intermediate crude rose to a two-month high on a report showing that fewer Americans than projected filed applications for unemployment benefits.

Futures climbed as much as 0.4 percent. U.S. jobless claims fell by 42,000 to 338,000 last week, Labor Department data show. The median forecast of 42 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a drop to 345,000. A government report tomorrow will probably show U.S. crude supplies slipped 2.3 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg survey. Markets in London and New York were closed yesterday for Christmas.

WTI for February delivery rose 24 cents to $99.46 a barrel at 11:09 a.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract touched $99.65, the highest price since Oct. 22. The volume of all futures traded was 83 percent below the 100-day average. Prices have advanced 8.3 percent in 2013, set for the fourth annual gain in five years.

Brent for February settlement fell 1 cent to $111.89 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The volume of all futures traded was 85 percent lower than the 100-day average. The European benchmark grade traded at a $12.43 premium to WTI, down from $12.83 on Dec. 24.

Gold prices are rising moderately on light volume , but they can finish the year the sharpest drop in more than 30 years because of the rise in stock markets and an optimistic forecast for the world economy .

Over the year, the price may be reduced by almost 30 percent, which would be the biggest drop since 1981 , including in connection with the reduction of Fed stimulus .

Analysts and traders expect further decline in the coming year , although more moderate . Several banks, including Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas and Societe General, suggest that in 2014 the price will fall below $ 1,150 .

According to the data released today , the number of Americans filing initial claims for unemployment benefits fell for the first time in three weeks. This is a sign of force return to the labor market , which has recently showed signs of growth.

As reported by the U.S. Labor Department , the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits , which are an indicator of layoffs, in the week December 15-21 fell by 42,000 and adjusted for seasonal variation was 338,000 . Economists had expected a rise in the number of applications to 382,000 .

Cost February gold futures on the COMEX today rose to $ 1215.40 per ounce.