Oil prices down in Asian markets

Singapore\'s Asian oil trading decreased, on Wednesday, to USD 103 per barrel (pb) amid investor\'s anticipation for signs of improvement in US economy. The US light crude for February was down by USD 0.33 cents pb, which came to USD 102.63 pb in transactions with the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The contracts jumped USD 4.13 cents to settle at USD 102.96 in New York late Tuesday. In London, Brent delivery was down USD 16 cents to come to USD 111.97 pb. The US crude oil jumps to USD 75 pb last October amid signs of slow growth in US economy and the possibility of improving it this year. Meanwhile, the US manufacturing sector witnessed a remarkable expansion last December, recording its highest rates in six months, which is another sign of an economic growth. The US construction spending rose last November for private residential housing and apartments. (end) asf.ma KUNA 041044 Jan 12NNNN