Oil prices down in Asian trade

SINGAPORE: Oil prices fell in Asia Friday, pressured by a stronger dollar as dealers speculated over whether the will Federal Reserve lift interest rates sooner than later, analysts said.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for December delivery fell 37 cents to $80.75 while Brent crude for December was down 36 cents at $85.88 in afternoon trade.

The US Commerce Department on Thursday said the world´s largest economy grew at an annualised 3.5 percent in July-September owing to stronger exports and defence spending. The figure exceeded expectations for a 3.0 percent rise.

The reading, coupled with upbeat comments about the jobs market from the Fed on Wednesday, stoked speculation that the bank could hike interest rates earlier than its timetabled mid-2015 date.

With rates widely expected to rise next year, traders have piled back into the dollar, pushing it back above 110 yen.

A stronger greenback makes dollar-priced oil more expensive for buyers using weaker currencies, denting demand and pushing prices lower.

A slew of US economic data to be released later Friday, including on personal spending, personal income and consumer sentiment, will next be in focus among investors, analysts said.