Crude futures settle mixed

International oil prices posted mixed results on Wednesday as Iran and Oman reportedly neared an agreement concerning vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, market optimism was tempered by lingering concerns that the recovery of shipping capacity in the crucial waterway will be limited.

The West Texas Intermediate for September delivery dropped 0.73 percent to settle at 75.22 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for October delivery rose 0.11 percent to settle at 79.45 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.

Crude futures settle mixed

International gold and silver prices closed higher on Wednesday.

On the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for December delivery rose 3.67 percent to settle at 4,305.20 U.S. dollars per ounce, while silver futures for September delivery gained 3.39 percent to close at 62.288 dollars per ounce.

Gold, silver futures rise on Wednesday