Crude oil futures continue in bearish direction

As of December 23, Brent Crude futures for February settlement were trading 1.44% lower to settle at $ 49,36 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe Exchange.

Light Sweet Crude (WTI) futures for February delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell 1.4% to close at $ 46,36 a barrel.

Oil prices declined after the unexpected build-up of US inventories last week.