NEW YORK –Crude-oil futures prices were modestly higher Friday, taking a respite from a $4-a-barrel slide this week on rising inventories and weak refinery demand. News of stronger-than-expected U.S. durable-goods orders helped front-month crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange move higher, but analysts caution the near-term outlook remains weak. Nymex prices got a lift as new orders for long-lasting items ranging from refrigerators to aircraft climbed by 3.7% in September, compared with economists’ calls for a 2.5% gain. “The number was higher than expected and that’s good for manufacturing and good for energy demand,” said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group. Nymex December crude oil traded 68 cents higher, at $97.77 a barrel. Heading into Friday’s trading, December crude shed $4 a barrel since Monday under the weight of rapidly rising stocks and weak demand. Mr. Flynn said the market appears to be “a little oversold,” […]