Oil prices rose on Monday, buoyed by optimism about factory activity in China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, and as Israel resumed attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire, raising tensions in the Middle East.
Brent crude futures rose eight cents, or 0.1 percent, to $71.92 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $68.09 a barrel, up nine cents, or 0.1 percent. The price rise came after an official survey showed factory activity in China expanded weakly for a second straight month in November, suggesting a wave of stimulus is finally beginning to emerge as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ratchets up trade threats.
