Crude oil prices increased on word of China’s agreement to hold trade talks

China’s agreement to hold more trade talks with the U.S. sent crude oil prices up on Thursday.

The gain came a day after prices dropped 1% because of growing gasoline and distillate stockpiles in the U.S.

Global benchmark Brent crude rose 48 cents or 0.7% to settle at $65.34 a barrel.

U.S. standard, West Texas Intermediate crude finished up 52 cents or 0.8% to $63.37 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Thursday proved to be another mostly down day for most Oklahoma energy stocks. Empire Petroleum plunged more than 9% for the day but on the plus side, NGL Energy Partners rose more than 7%.