Oil futures settled higher Oct. 22 amid fresh hopes for passage of a US stimulus bill and stronger-than-expected jobs data. NYMEX December WTI settled 61 cents higher at $40.64/b and ICE December Brent was up 73 cents at $42.46/b. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Oct. 22 that the White House and Congressional Democrats are “just about there” on reaching a deal for a second round coronavirus stimulus bill, according to media reports. “Pelosi’s comment indicates more progress has been made, but what is also needed is Senate Majority Leader McConnell’s blessing, OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya said in a note. “The biggest hurdles remain state aid and liability provisions, which means optimism […]