Crude oil futures ticked higher during mid-morning Asian trade Nov. 17 as reports of a highly effective Moderna vaccine carried the markets despite rising concerns over the number of COVID-19 infections and increased lockdown measures. At 11:25 am Singapore time (0325 GMT), ICE Brent January crude futures were up 30 cents/b (0.68%) from the Nov. 16 settle to $44.12/b, while the NYMEX December light sweet crude contract was up 24 cents/b (0.58%) at $41.58/b. Both ICE Brent January crude futures and WTI futures had jumped 2.43% and 3.02% on Nov. 16 to settle at $43.82/b and $41.34/b, respectively, as the market was lifted by a confluence of bullish developments, including the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership , indications that the incoming Biden administration is reluctant to impose nationwide lockdowns and reports […]