WTI Gains 2.5% On Driving Season Fuel Demand Optimism

Brent crude oil and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) were both trading up over 2% on Monday as optimism strengthened over summer fuel demand prospects and despite the dwindling potential for the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.  On Monday at 12:06 p.m. EST, Brent crude oil was trading up 2.19% at $81.36, for a gain of $1.74 on the day, while the U.S. WTI benchmark was trading up 2.45% at $77.38, for a gain of $1.85 on the day.  Monday saw the effects of a strong dollar rally late last week after the release of Friday’s U.S.…