Oil extended its losses in Asian trade today on a stronger dollar after the US Federal Reserve hinted that it could ease its massive stimulus policy soon, analysts said.

 Brent crude extended losses in late trading on Wednesday to settle below $103 a barrel, after minutes from the Federal Reserve sent US stock MARKETS down and compounded earlier OIL weakness stemming from a rise in US gasoline inventories.

Oil was down in Asia today as traders waited for the release of the latest energy inventory report from the United States, analysts said.

Oil was up in Asian trade today ahead of a testimony in Congress by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke on the US economy.

Crude oil futures today fell by Rs 20, or 0.38%, to Rs 5,282 per barrel, as speculators trimmed positions amid a weakening trend in the Asian trade.

U.S.

Gold futures declined for the seventh consecutive session, as the dollar index jumped to near 3-year highs and US data raised optimism about the economic recovery.

Oil prices were down in Asian trade today as investors locked in profits from last week's gains after US stocks blazed to new record levels.

Oil prices eased in Asia today as poor housing and employment data from the United States sparked concerns of weaker crude demand in the world's biggest economy, analysts said.

Crude oil futures prices today fell by 0.48% to Rs 5,135 per barrel, after speculators reduced exposures amid weak trend in Asian trade.

Oil was down in Asian trade today as caution returned to the market following weak US production data, analysts said.

Gold and crude oil prices declined on the international markets on Wednesday, with a massive sell-off in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a strong dollar causing the fall in gold, while crude prices cooled due to a sell-off amid weak demand from major