Crude-oil futures end above $90, first since 2008 (by Laura Mandaro)
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Crude-oil futures on Wednesday settled above $90 a barrel for the first time since October 2008, getting a lift from growing optimism about the global recovery. "Crude is starting to look forward. We've been skeptical about demand. We're more optimistic towards year-end as we see positive equities, and strengths in transports," said Richard Ross, global technical strategist at Auerbach Grayson. Oil for February delivery rose 66 cents, or 0.7%, to $90.48 a barrel by the close of floor trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was the first time since Oct. 7, 2008 that the front-month contract ended above $90, said the exchange.