KEY POINTS MAIN STORY Crude oil prices surged on Friday afternoon following reports that the United States is deploying additional troops to the Middle East, reigniting fears that the regional conflict is escalating. Brent crude futures rose 2% to $106 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 1.3% to $96.82. Although prices remain below … Continue reading Oil prices surge as US deploys troops to Middle East amid Strait of Hormoz tension