Bloomberg Oil rose for a fifth session, the longest run of gains since July, as a bigger-than-forecast decline in US crude stockpiles eased oversupply concerns. Futures climbed 0.6% in New York after closing at the highest level in three months. American crude supplies fell by 5.47 million barrels in the week ended December 20, more than three times the median …

Bloomberg The US merchandise-trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed for a third month in November to the smallest shortfall in three years as exports increased and imports declined, the latest sign that economic growth is holding up at the end of the year. The gap decreased to $63.2 billion from $66.8 billion the prior month, according to Commerce Department data released on …

Bloomberg Gulf borrowers raised more than $100 billion in bond placements this year, a record amount that marked a shift from the more private funding route offered by loans. Saudi Aramco was the biggest issuer, while Egypt, Oman and Saudi Arabia also tapped international bond markets. Syndicated loans dropped 39% this year as sovereigns and companies sold notes in dollars …