By Margot Habiby Sixteen of 36 analysts, or 44 percent, forecast oil will climb through April 23. Fifteen respondents, or 42 percent, predicted that futures will decrease and five said the contract will be little changed. Last week, 50 percent of analysts said there would be a decrease in prices. “All factors, fundamental, technical and fund activity, suggest that crude-oil prices should rise next week,” said Antonio Szabo, chief executive officer of Houston-based consultant Stone Bond Technologies. “Their strong correlation with equity markets as of late is another bullish factor as the S&P 500 also looks ready for an upward move.” Volume for crude oil traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange has topped 1 million contracts April 9 through April 14, reaching a record 1.42 million on April 13. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is poised for a seventh straight weekly advance. It gained 1.02 points to 1,211.67 yesterday, the highest level since Sept. 26, 2008. U.S. stockpiles of crude oil fell for the first time in 11 weeks in the week ending April 9, the Energy Department reported April 14. Supplies dropped 2.2 million barrels, or 0.6 percent, last week to 354 million. Supplies were 5.1 percent above the five-year average, down from 7.1 percent the week before. The crude oil contract for May delivery has risen 59 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $85.51 a barrel so far this week on the Nymex. Futures are 74 percent higher than a year ago. --With assistance from Alexander Kwiatkowski in London, Christian Schmollinger and Yee Kai Pin in Singapore and Michio Nakayama in Tokyo. Editors: Joe Link, Charles Siler

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