---

Crude:

Hedge funds couldn't have timed an increase in bullish oil positions better, just before improving prospects for U.S. growth sent crude on its biggest two-day rally in six years.

Money managers boosted their net-long position in West Texas Intermediate crude 6.2 percent last week, days before futures surged 17 percent in the last two sessions, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission data show.

Signs of a strengthening economy in the U.S., the world’s biggest crude consumer, helped drive the sudden rebound after concerns that demand will wane in China had pushed futures to six-year lows. America’s gross domestic product increased 3.7 percent in the second quarter, more than most analysts had expected, and consumer purchases climbed in July as incomes grew.

Bunker Market:

Fuel oil in Rotterdam was stronger again on Friday as VLCCs are fixed to bring product to Singapore.

Dutch time: 11:00 hrs.

Fuel oil RMG 380 HS: 3.5%: USD 232-234

Marine Gas Oil DMA .89/ LS 0.1%: USD 434-438

ULS fuel oil: USD 405-410.