The major oil metrics traded either side of.....>

OIL: The major oil metrics traded either side of flat for the majority of the

session after Saudi Arabia & Russia pledged to come to a comprehensive bilateral

energy agreement, with Saudi energy minister Al-Falih suggesting that it's

"inevitable" the cartel and its allies will decide to boost output gradually,

when he spoke on Thursday.

- Traders await the latest weekly Baker Hughes rig count print.

- WTI bulls took comfort in the lack of follow through on dips below the 100-DMA

($64.62) with focus having returned to $67.29-68.52 where 21 & 55-DMAs are

noted. Bulls need a close above the 55-DMA to gain breathing room and above

$68.52 to shift focus to $70.86. Initial support is noted at $66.18 today with

bears needing a close below to gain breathing room. Below $64.15 is needed to

shift initial focus to $61.43.