Oil rises on expanding Chinese factory activity, but set to end year lower

Oil prices increased due to China's expanded manufacturing activity in December. Brent crude futures increased to $74.46 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude to $71.48 a barrel. Brent declined 3.2%, and WTI was down 0.6% for the year. Declining U.S. crude stockpiles provided short-term support.