Crude Oil Falls, Following Stocks Lower, as Dollar Strengthens

Crude oil fell for a second day, following global equities lower, as a stronger dollar reduced the appeal of commodities as an alternative investment.
Prices declined after stocks dropped and the U.S. currency gained against the euro. The stronger currency undermines demand for dollar-priced assets such as oil and gold. Oil futures touched a seven-month high of $70.32 on June 5 after a Labor Department report showed the fewest job losses in eight months.
The fundamentals don’t support these prices, said Michael Fitzpatrick, a vice president for energy at MF Global Ltd. in New York. A stronger dollar takes away one of the supporting factors behind the recent rally.
Crude oil for July delivery fell 35 cents, or 0.5 percent, to settle at $68.09 a barrel at 3:04 p.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Futures are up 53 percent this year.
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