Topic: London Brent oil futures rise

London Brent oil futures LCOc1 rose by more than $1 a barrel on Thursday as renewed optimism that the US economy was through the worst of the recession offset bearish inventory data showing continued weak demand in the world's largest oil consumer.

By 0640 GMT, London Brent oil futures for September delivery rose 98 cents to $73.97, off an earlier $73.90 high.