CRUDE WRAP: WTI (M6) SETTLES USD 4.25 HIGHER AT USD 105.42/BBL; BRENT (N6) SETTLES USD 3.54 HIGHER AT USD 109.26/BBL

The crude complex saw gains to end the week on renewed escalation risk as Trump returned from China and attention turned back to Iran. Both Trump and Araghchi were frequently on the wires, with the Iranian Foreign Minister giving more market-moving headlines. Recapping, he said they have received messages from the US saying that they are seeking continued talks, and that Iran is trying to maintain the ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance, and will return to talks if the US is ready for a fair deal. However, he did add that contradictory messages from the US remain the main issue. As such, attention over the weekend will be on any escalation, or de-escalation. For the record, in the weekly Baker Hughes rig count, oil rose 5 to 415, natgas fell 1 to 418, leaving the total up 3 at 551. To end the week, WTI traded between USD 97.23-101.39/bbl and Brent USD 106.26-109.75/bbl.