As disappointing economic data raised concerns about investor demand for energy, oil prices fell sharply on the 1st.
        The day the U.S. Labor Department report showed initial claims for unemployment benefits last week increased by 1.3 million total to 47.2 million, while economists had expected that this data will be down slightly. United States Association of Realtors announced that home buyers by the government to provide tax breaks expire at the end of April the impact, in May signed the U.S. existing home sales down 30% chain significantly, far below market expectations.
        U.S. Institute for Supply Management released the same day in June ISM manufacturing index fell to 56.2 points. Although this figure shows that the U.S. manufacturing sector is still in a growth area, but below market expectations. 
        These data and from Asia and Europe's economic report to investors bearish on the prospects of world energy consumption needs, the international price of oil fell.
        To the closing, the New York Mercantile Exchange, light crude oil for delivery in August futures fell 2.68 U.S. dollars to close at 72.95 U.S. dollars a barrel. London Brent crude oil futures fell 2.67 U.S. dollars to close at 72.34 U.S. dollars a barrel. (Ling Shan)