Crude down in Asia on profit taking

SINGAPORE: Crude was down in Asia on Friday as traders took profit from an overnight rally ahead of the release of closely-watched US jobs numbers, analysts said.

New York's main contract, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light sweet crude for November delivery shed 24 cents to $91.47 a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for delivery in November fell 40 cents to $112.18.

Traders were selling oil after prices rallied more than four percent on the Brent and WTI contracts late Thursday, said Jason Hughes, head of premium client management for IG Markets Singapore.

"We're seeing Asian traders come in and take decisions off the table on the back of a strong performance last night," he said.

"Given that there was a four percent rise preceding this session, you're likely to see people saying 'we're happy with our returns this week, let's not play the non-farms (payroll) coming out later.'"

The US Labor Department is due to release figures for September job creation and unemployment later Friday, with analysts expecting little change from August's unimpressive numbers.

The United States is the world's largest oil consumer, and any downside to its economy is likely to weigh on crude prices. (AFP)