Crude oil futures were steady to slightly lower in mid-morning trade in Asia Tuesday amid expectations of a build in US product stocks data due for release in coming days. At 10:12 am Singapore time (0212 GMT), the new front month March ICE Brent crude futures was down 9 cents/b (0.13%) from Monday’s settle at $66.58/b, while the NYMEX February light sweet crude contract was 9 cents/b (0.15%) lower at $61.59/b. “Crude oil prices started New Year’s Eve on a dull note, with the year-end trading day finding caution in the market despite the positive news we have seen, including the expectation of the [US-China] phase one trade deal signing,” IG market strategist Pan Jingyi said. “Prices nevertheless held above $66.50/b when last checked, with support broadly expected going into January. This is as the […]