MW: Crude falls on expectation U.S. inventories had risen
Crude-oil futures fell Wednesday on expectation that U.S. inventories had risen last week. Crude for February delivery was last down 66 cents, or 1.4%, at $47.92 a barrel in early North America trading. The U.S. Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release last week's petroleum inventories data Wednesday morning. Analysts surveyed by energy information provider Platts expect a buildup of 1.5 million barrels in crude oil stocks. Also helping crude move lower, tensions in the Middle East were reduced after Israel said it has agreed to halt its attacks in the Gaza Strip for three hours a day.
