West Texas Intermediate crude rose to a two-week high on signs that economic growth is accelerating in the U.S., the world’s biggest oil-consuming nation. Futures gained 0.4 percent. The pace of U.S. home construction dropped less than forecast in December, capping the best year for the sector since 2007, the Commerce Department reported. Industrial production grew for a fifth month in December, according to the Federal Reserve in Washington . U.S. crude supplies slid to the lowest level since March 2012. “The rise in prices is a reflection of the better economic picture,” said Michael Lynch , president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research in Winchester, Massachusetts . “An improving economy translates into more fuel demand.” WTI for February delivery increased 41 cents to $94.37 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange . It was the highest settlement since Jan. 2. Futures climbed 1.8 percent this week. The […]