Oil Trades Near One-Month Low After Retail Sales Fall Short of Estimates

Crude oil was little changed near a one-month low after falling last week as sales at U.S. retailers rose less than forecast in July, a sign that economic growth in the biggest energy consuming nation is slowing.

Oil capped its worst week in six Aug. 13 as a lack of jobs prompted Americans to hold back on spending, according to Commerce Department figures. U.S. gasoline supplies increased for the seventh week.

Crude oil for September delivery was at $75.63 a barrel, up 24 cents, on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 8:07 a.m. in Sydney. The contract fell 0.5 percent on Aug. 13 to settle at $75.39, the lowest price since July 12. Futures fell 6.6 percent for the week, the most since the period ended July 2.