Crude Oil Futures Edge Higher as Saudi Troops Enter Bahrain

Crude oil futures edged higher in New York to end four days of declines on speculation unrest in the Middle East may escalate after Saudi Arabia sent its troops into Bahrain.

Oil erased losses as Saudi Arabia’s cabinet said the kingdom has responded to a Bahraini request for “support.” Prices were lower most of the day on speculation Japan’s demand may decline after the 8.9-magnitude earthquake devastated the third-largest economy.