Oil Steady After Stronger U.S. Economic Growth

(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) -- The price of oil was steady Friday after being buoyed by stronger economic growth in the world’s largest economy. Benchmark U.S. crude for January delivery was up 2 cents at $97.40 a barrel at midafternoon Kuala Lumpur time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Thursday, oil rose to near $98 for the first time in five weeks before closing at $97.38, up 18 cents. U.S. data showed the outlook for hiring is improving and the economy is growing a...